Trains.com

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!

Securing buss wires under layout

8698 views
34 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    June 2014
  • From: East Central Florida
  • 480 posts
Posted by Onewolf on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 4:14 AM

In areas with 1x4 open grid I drill holes through the 1x4s.  In areas with shelf brackets and no 1x4 I use 1/2" cable clamps.

 

http://www.amazon.com/100-Pack-R-type-Cable-Clamp/dp/B01DEX6J4U/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1525857214&sr=8-8

 

Modeling an HO gauge freelance version of the Union Pacific Oregon Short Line and the Utah Railway around 1957 in a world where Pirates from the Great Salt Lake founded Ogden, UT.

- Photo album of layout construction -

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 10:59 PM

I'm not sure that the plastic staples would stay in the foam if the wires were pulled on.

How about using industrial strength self adhesive Velcro strips? This is a Canadian listing. You should be able to get it for much less:

https://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Brand-Industrial-Strength-Profile/dp/B000VR8B3K/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1525838452&sr=8-8&keywords=velcro+tape

Cut a piece about 1" long, stick one side on the foam, place the wire on the Velcro, and then put the other side of the velcro over the wire. Don't peel the backing on the second strip.

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,667 posts
Posted by rrebell on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 10:56 PM

I just drilled holes in the 1x4's

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 10:40 PM

I guess I am glad I used a thin sheet of plywood under my foam.  A wire staple gun works fine for me but I wouldn't think it would hold at all in foam. 

I'm not sure that what you linked to, will hold securely into just foam.  It should not cut the wire though unless you drive a nail into the wire.

 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    March 2015
  • 1,358 posts
Posted by SouthPenn on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 10:22 PM

Here some samplesMore samples. More samples.

A lot of these can be found at your local hardware store or big box store.

South Penn
  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 2,360 posts
Securing buss wires under layout
Posted by kasskaboose on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 9:59 PM

Can you pls offer really cheap and effective ways to keep the buss wires from hanging low under the layout?  The buss wires are underneath a foam layout that's resting on 1x4's spaced every 16" apart.  Using cargo tape is somewhat effective; duct tape is not working.  One thought I had was buying "u-shaped"  cable staples. I fear that the below might cut into the 14AWG buss wires.  Something like this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-Bender-1-2-in-White-Plastic-Staples-For-NM-Cable-50-Pack-PS-50/100204230

If that's a suitable idea, should I get 3/4" wide ones instead?

 

Thanks.

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!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!