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Lighted Structure Power Connection

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  • Member since
    July 2008
  • 76 posts
Lighted Structure Power Connection
Posted by seaside on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 11:41 PM

I would like to add connectors between the 12 volt DC lighting power buss feeders coming up through the benchwork and the inside of my lighted structures so I can easily remove the structure from its location on the railroad.  Since I have a combination of LED and incandescent lights, a polarized connector is preferred.  Ideally the connector would be big enough to not allow the feeder wire to retract under the layout (or I could drill a smaller hole in the benchwork) and be glued to the inside of the structure.  The feeder wires are 22 gauge.

Any suggestions?

John

 

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Southwest US
  • 12,914 posts
Posted by tomikawaTT on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 2:01 AM

Sounds like a job for a miniature stereo jack and plug - or just a plain mono plug (2 conductors.)

You could get fancy and mount the jack on the permanent structure somewhere in the building footprint, and then fasten the plug so it will align with the jack when the building is set in place.  Alternatively, the jack could be mounted to the building.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: Jacksonville, FL
  • 913 posts
Posted by gatrhumpy on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 6:07 AM

This is a great idea.

I have used mini-connectors countless times on my portable layout. I love them.

  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Charlotte, NC
  • 6,099 posts
Posted by Phoebe Vet on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 7:58 AM

Fred Miller uses a pair of brass tubes in the layout and brass rods in the structure.  The rods both anchor the structure and provide electrical contact.  The structures lift out easily.

Dave

Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Pa.
  • 3,361 posts
Posted by DigitalGriffin on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 10:10 AM

Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions

Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by Hamltnblue on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 1:54 PM

Any of the above will work fine.  Also standard RCA jacks will work fine.

Springfield PA

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