I'm almost at the wiring stage of my layout and I want to know, from the people who've done it, if I should solder the feeder wires to the bus or to use suitcase connectors. I see benefits to each method but I want to know which one holds up better in your experience and other such factors.
Thanks!
Alpine,
The simple answer: It's entirely up to you. Soldering is tried and true and a solid method for connecting wires together. There are those who swear by IDCs (Insulation Displacement Connectors) or "suitcase" connectors and those who swear at them.
With that said, I've been using IDCs for 3+ years on my layout and have yet to have a problem with any of them. I use the blue ones from Home Depot on my 14ga bus wire and they are connected to a terminal block with 18ga wire. The feeder wires from the terminal block to the track are 20ga.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I think that many problems with IDCs are probably due to improper installation. In fact, the Dream Plan Build video on DCC demonstrated the WRONG way to apply them. The plastic cover is meant as a cover, not as the means to push the contact through the wire. Install them in two steps, first sink the contact, then snap the cover on.
3M's instructions: http://www.discountcarstereo.com/pdf/905.pdf
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
I am not going to comment on the same issue for the umpteenth time. Where's David and his dead horse icon?
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
IMHO, Soldering is better. Makes a better connection, cheaper, can be used on any size wires, works even when it's late at night and you're out of suitcase connectors. Besides, you have a skill (soldering) that can be used elsewhere. IDC's teach you how to squeeze a pair of pliers.
Martin Myers
I solder all the connections. I used suitcase connectors in the past but with all the humidity here I had problems with corrosion getting into the connectors. A solder joint is solid.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
rrinker I am not going to comment on the same issue for the umpteenth time. Where's David and his dead horse icon? --Randy
+1
http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/search/SearchResults.aspx?q=%22suitcase+connectors%22+AND+sectionid%3a744&o=Relevance
OK, thanks for all the help. I have a better idea of what I have to do.
Randy, check the Alpo plant.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
That's actually located alongside the branch I am modeling. It's Friskie's now, since they merged. And there used to be a fenced lot near it that always had a couple of horses running around in it - coincidence? Back in the early 80's when I used to go along with my truck driver neighbor, they hauled container load after container load fromt here to the piers in Brooklyn and Bayonne, all loaded on Polish container ships. So much that he had 3 drivers busy every day (and the distance is such that a driver could make 2 runs per day - so a minimum of 6 container loads per day, 6 days a week. He always wondered if there really were that many dogs in Poland..