Edit topic

Updated your discussion topic below.

Subject
Enter a subject for your topic. Maximum 150 characters.
Post Body
Enter your post below.
I have a question about wire gauge. I'm using 18 ga wire for runs to my Atlas UTT switch machines on my 4x8 HO layout. I've also used terminal blocks to connect my feeders to 18 ga wire that run back to my cabs. However, I'm about to start working on a control panel that will use a mess of miniature toggles to control the turnouts and switch between blocks. None of the terminals on these switches can accept 18 ga wire. If I terminate the long runs of wire at terminal blocks behind the control panel, what should I use to connect between the terminal blocks and the switches? I'm hoping that someone will suggest Cat 5 network cable, since I've got a mess of it on hand. Each conductor is solid 24 ga (I believe) and is helpfully already color coded. The distance inside the panel from the switch to the block will probably be no more than a foot or so. Also, I'm using a thin sheet of aluminum for the panel. Where should I put the the terminating terminal blocks? My layout has 6 blocks, 12 turnouts and 6 turntable stall tracks, and the panel will have indicator LEDs for the turnouts, so there'll be plenty of wires terminating back there. I'm planning to build a frame for the panel and hinge it to the vertical side of the layout table. I've seen plenty of pictures of peoples control panels, but not too many of how they organize the guts inside. Any suggestions would be very welcomed! Thanks, David
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag
E-mail Subscribe
Check the box below if you want to receive e-mail notifications when replies are made to this thread.

Receive notifications

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit topic

Subject

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

E-mail Subscribe

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community