I'm in the process of wiring my layout (2x16 industrial area). Like literally in process right now.
It's broken up into two sections, one that's five feet long and another that's 11 feet. The joint is a bit of future proofing for when it can be integrated into a larger layout in the future. There's also a six foot staging tail. It's going to be DC for the next year or so, with future plans for DCC. Only one loco at a time in its DC days, so that's manageable as one DC block and a future DCC power district. The power bus is #14 wire.
I'm assuming that I can use a terminal strip and spade connectors between the two sections? It'll be years (three plus) before they'll ever come apart.
The staging tail is going to need something that can be repeatedly plugged and unplugged, like something they'd use in modules. Is there a go-to parts number at Radio Shack or All Electronics or something?
Anderson Power Pole connectors (powerwerx.com) are available. They replace the Cinch Jones connectors that were a basic connector for modular layouts. These connectors are now being used for N-Trak modules as a new standard for new module construction. I use them on my clubs modular layout for module electrical interfacing and for connecting it to our DCC command station.
No soldering is necessary for the contacts as they crimp on the wires. Their crimper is a little pricey, but you can use a good electrical crimper instead. The contact housings come in many colors and are easy to connect together to make polarized connections.
NittanyLionThe staging tail is going to need something that can be repeatedly plugged and unplugged, like something they'd use in modules. Is there a go-to parts number at Radio Shack or All Electronics or something?
If there are more than 4 conductors I use a keyed Molex plug. I used to get them at Parts America, but since they have gone out of business I assume Radio Shack would carry them.
The Anderson Power Pole connectors are the new 'standard' when things need to be connected and disconnected frequently. Our club modular layout uses them, they are very robust and stand up well to repeated connections and disconnections.
However, the OP indicates this is going to be a semi-permanent setup, in which case using terminal strips and jumper wires is probbaly the easiest. Use a larger size terminal strip that can handle larger size wire, you can get them at Home Depot or Lowes, the ones Radio Shack sells are smaller ones. Use ring terminals on the jumper wires, and be sure to label everything. Ring terminals require you to fully relove the screw to attach, but then there's also no way they can ever pull loose accidently. It is more of a pain to connect and disconnect these vs an actual connector, but if you'll only be doing it once every 3 years or so...
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Plan ahead.
If you are going to have DCC in your future, consider installing the wires for your future control bus along your fascia.
Use a consistent color code for your wiring.
Consider adding a bus for structure lighting and streetlights. For this, I would have one separate bus for each section of the layout, with no interconnections.
Think about turnout wiring, if you plan to drive them electrically. This is something else that can be isolated from section to section, unless you truly want a central control panel.
My layout was built in 4 sections. I used barrier strips between the sections, but I just screw the wires on without lugs. It's a "permanent" layout, but it's designed to be dismantled and moved without too much disruption when retirement comes.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Gotta agree with Randy. A terminal strip would probably be the simplest way to go. Nothing against Powerpoles. I was a member of the group that wrote the new NTRAK standard.
Martin Myers