Keeping connectors clean {pics}

[Puckdropper]

I'm using Anderson PowerPole connectors on my outdoor track so I can take the power supply inside. I knew the connectors would probably get filled with dirt and mud if I didn't do something about it, so I did:



This is the connector closed off.



This is the connector open.

I may try to disguise it as a pipe that allows water to flow under the railroad. (except it won't)

The 16-gauge wire is from an old extension cord I took apart, the "pipe" is an empty Cream of Tartar container, and the connectors are Anderson Powerpoles, which the N-trak Recommended Practice uses.

[tangerine-jack]

Very smooth idea! Looks like another one I'll have to steal for my rebuild of the Dixie D.

[Anonymous]

I don't understand why you are doing this, why not solder direct to your rails?

I have my transformer and cenral station in the pool pumphouse (which is similar to inside) i just put a hole in the bottom of the wall and voila its been there for several years and no trouble!

Rgds Ian

[Puckdropper]

The bare ends will be soldered directly to the rails. Since I don't have a place to run a permanent power pack set up, using a connector like I'm doing is the best way to go in my situation.

[Anonymous]

Oh i see; you don't have your power supply connected all the time just when you wi***o use it, is that correct?


Rgds Ian

[Anonymous]

That is a slick idea and thanks for sharing it. I don't have a clue what Anderson PowerPole connectors are, but I'm going to be in the same situation pretty soon. i won't have a permanent outdoor location to keep my powerpack and will have to keep it inside when the trains aren't running.

[Tom The Brat]

Nice idea.

Your little bottle might not stand up to sun exposure, but it you tuck it under something when you're not using it, it should do very nicely. You might seal the hole where the wires go out with some sillicon caulk or something like that.

[markperr]

Rather than solder your feeder wires to the rails, why not use rail clamps specifically designed for feeders? I believe Hillman and Split-jaw both sell them.

Mark

[Puckdropper]

Ian,
That's correct.

Bob, the red and black things at the end of the wire are the PowerPoles. They're designed to be connected and disconnected, as well as used alone or in part of a group. One thing I learned from N-trak was how much easier it is to use connectors such as this rather than wires on terminal strips.

Torby, we'll see if it lasts. If I seal the wires to the container, I'll probably use hot glue and not silicone... Easier to work with.

Mark, wire and solder's cheap. My experience with smaller scales tells me I need a lot of connections to make sure I don't get continuity problems.