Throw switches,wiring, etc

darthdave Feb 21, 2003

  1. darthdave

    darthdave TrainBoard Member

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    Have a few questions if anyone could help me out here for my N layout.

    1. Can someone recommend a good manual throw switch....I imagine these are used for turnouts that are not wired?

    2. I am laying flex track..Do I need to solder wire to each rail for each piece of flextrack I use?

    thx for any help!
     
  2. Maxwell Plant

    Maxwell Plant TrainBoard Member

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    Is that all...boy, your easy!

    I use ground throws from J-N-J, but there are others.

    As long as your not dropping volts, no need for wires, but if you are, put them in.

    That's all I have...NEXT! :D
     
  3. darthdave

    darthdave TrainBoard Member

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    thx for the answers....I could probably list about 100 questions ;)

    As far as the wiring for the track, are u saying that if I am experiencing a loss of power at certain points, I should place wire there?
     
  4. Ironhorseman

    Ironhorseman April, 2018 Staff Member In Memoriam

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    Yes ... by all means run a jumper wire to each length of flextrack. You can simply string one positive line and one negative line all around under your layout; then use a lighter wire for your jumpers. Solder them to the bottom of the rail or outside on the web. That way you don't have to rely on rail joiners. :D
     
  5. slimjim

    slimjim Passed away January 2006 In Memoriam

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    Wire the switch points also. If you use contact only, there will be trouble later.
     
  6. Ironhorseman

    Ironhorseman April, 2018 Staff Member In Memoriam

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    Good point Jim .. I did not even think about the switches [​IMG]
     
  7. watash

    watash Passed away March 7, 2010 TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    I find that a plastic soda straw can be glued in place then used to poke wires through foam and wood very easily. Just leave a bit of the bottom of the straws sticking out below the wood or foam, then coat that with glue and pull the straw back up until almost flush and let dry. Trim the top to suit with an Exact-O knife. It is an ideal way to run wires horizontally through a yard, and easily hidden by scenery and ballast.
     
  8. keyrail

    keyrail TrainBoard Member

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    some guys say to solder wire to eac length of flex track, and some say that ther's no need to. It's all a matter of preference. I'm in the later group, there's no need to; it does mean you don't have to rely on rail joiners though. But, you have to solder flex track in place anyway, so there's no need for extra wiring.
     

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