In part 1 of Model Railroader's Harbor Railroad project layout, there is reference to plug-and-socket type connectors from a company called Ideal, used to connect the bus lines for the two configurations of the layout. I searched without success to learn more about these things. Anyone familiar with these connectors?
I guess my more general question is what's your experience/advice on connectors for a lift-out? I picked up some vehicle/trailer plugs on clearance at Menards awhile back, but they seem like overkill. (Right now I just have hard-wired from a terminal strip on the lift-out to a terminal strip on the layout, so they're more like duck-unders than lift-outs - which is gonna get old.)
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Dave
Anderson Power Pole connectors may be what you need. Look at powerwerks.com. I have been using them for several years to replace Cinch Jones connectors between modules and other locations where I need an easily removable connection. The contact is crimped on and the housings are made in several colors for color coding if desired.
N-Trak has an R/P that recommends power pole contacts for new modules.
I used a 2-wire auto-trailer connector for the most recent lift-off I built. They aren't expensive, and they're very robust.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Why not use the trailer connectors? They're not expensive, they're sturdy, they're polarized so you can't join them backwards, the wires are colour-coded and you've already got them.
..... Bob
Beam me up, Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here. (Captain Kirk)
I reject your reality and substitute my own. (Adam Savage)
Resistance is not futile--it is voltage divided by current.
The clearance trailer connectors I picked up are four-pin connectors. So obviously, they'd work better on a lift-out for a double-track mainline, but my layout is a single-track main.
Since the MRR article noted the Ideal connectors from The Home Depot, I thought I'd check them out but couldn't find anything on the web.
Two votes for the trailer connectors and since I got them already, that's the way I'll go.
Thanks again!
Dave,
Just one more option is to use standard house outlets and plugs. I know it is overkill but if one had them on hand they would also work it you were on a STRICT BUDGET.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
farrellaa Dave, Just one more option is to use standard house outlets and plugs. I know it is overkill but if one had them on hand they would also work it you were on a STRICT BUDGET. -Bob
NO, NO, NEVER! Some time, somewhere, someone is going to think it's an electrical plug and socket and put 120 volts on your layout and whatever is on the track. Never never use house electrical plugs and sockets for anything other than what they are intended for. Be safe.
Just put one of these signs near the lift out, outlet: