Laying Track

[Anonymous]

Well, got a load of Atlas flex and Peco turnouts from CCHobbies the other day. I started laying track on 2in foam and woodland track bed yesterday. I'm using woodland glue to lay the track bed and latex caulk to lay the track. I'm using some silver solder the guy at the LHS recommended. So far so good I even got my first turnout laid using a Peco PL10W. One question I have is what gauge wire do you run from the switch machine to the terminal block. I had some 18ga stranded laying around I used but it seems a little heavy. I'm also using the accessory switches on the Peco's and am using lighter gauge wire on them. Anyway, the only problem seems to be my 50 year old eye sight and brain. At this rate It will take me a year to layout this track on a 5X12. Also, I am using a NCE PowerCab and plan on using the Lenz LS150 along with push buttons to control the switch machines. Anyone have any experience with this setup.

[tstage]

edf,

22 or 24ga (that you'd use for track feeders) should be fine.  I'd use the stranded wire for flexibility though.

edf, I'm not that far behind you in age and my eyes have been changing the last few years.  I strongly encourage you to invest in a pair of magnification head visors. 


Mascot H910 Binoclular Magnifier

They are wonderful for working on anything to do with modeling.  I use them all the time on putting together kits and anything that my 47 year olds just don't seem to focus on like they used to.   The ones with the leather head band (like the ones pictured above*) are the most comfortable.  Expect to spend $15-20 on a good pair.

[*This is the exact model that I use.  The head band is expandible.]

Hope that helps...

Tom