Building My First Layout
- Thread starter Marlin338MX
- Start date
Lynnb
Well-Known Member
I think I’m on my 6th or 7th.
Smudge617
Well-Known Member
They do say practice makes perfect.
Lynnb
Well-Known Member
I think I’m on the right track now.They do say practice makes perfect.
Topherisme
Chris wants more hobby time!!!
Same here, wiring as I go so I don’t have to come back later and do it as a massive project. Track is getting nailed into place but not driving the nails all the way in case I run into a dilemma and have to rework…
Marlin338MX
Well-Known Member
Thanks! I'm kind of dreading the wiring too.
Marlin338MX
Well-Known Member
I'll be using the Atlas terminal connectors, and running the wires under the table as I go. I have to figure out the best/easiest way to wire blocks around my layout.
Smudge617
Well-Known Member
The wiring isn't really difficult if you think about it, it's only two wires.
BigGRacing
Aka. Gary Russell
Pardon the pun…..I think I’m on the right track now.
migalyto
Well-Known Member
As Chris stated, it isn't hard. I just find it tedious at times. My past layouts I didn't wire as I went, and then was too lazy to go back and finish. The layout preformed, but only for a short time before issues started.
This time I'm doing it right. Using circuit breakers, soldering rail joiners, and feeders for each piece of flex.
Look at what you have accomplished so far, I have no doubt you will do fine!
Smudge617
Well-Known Member
Seeing as it's you, we'll forgive you
Smudge617
Well-Known Member
I admit I'm no fan of wiring track wiring either but I'm even lazier using pre-wired track joiners as feeders, but I prefer that to doing the wiring for turnouts.
migalyto
Well-Known Member
I always have soldered my feeders to the rail, but then again, I'm weird. I kind of enjoy soldering.
I have never tried the pre-wired joiners, but I have seen lots of layouts use them, and for a smaller layout, they're a great option. In my case, they would get expensive quick!
Smudge617
Well-Known Member
Yes, on big layouts, it would be very expensive at around $8 for 4 sets, a lot of modellers make their own or solder them directly to their track as you do, I used wired joiners because I'm simply rubbish at soldering.
migalyto
Well-Known Member
At least your honest!
Take some scrap track and practice, if you haven't already done so. Some people find ballasting therapeutic, I find soldering feeders' kind of relaxing.
Smudge617
Well-Known Member
Have you any idea how hard it is to melt a rail joiner, coz I can do that now, I've soldered track a couple of times, but it was very messy.At least your honest!
Take some scrap track and practice, if you haven't already done so. Some people find ballasting therapeutic, I find soldering feeders' kind of relaxing.
I wonder if I can get Peco to make 20' lengths of flextrack.
migalyto
Well-Known Member
We complain avout shipping now! Imagine the shipping charge on a 20' piece of flex.Have you any idea how hard it is to melt a rail joiner, coz I can do that now, I've soldered track a couple of times, but it was very messy.
I wonder if I can get Peco to make 20' lengths of flextrack.
It would probaly have to come truck freight!
Smudge617
Well-Known Member
Very true, but think of the hours of the not soldering track or lying/kneeling on the floor attaching feeder wires and having to give up because your knees or back have given out.We complain avout shipping now! Imagine the shipping charge on a 20' piece of flex.
It would probaly have to come truck freight!
Marlin338MX
Well-Known Member
I'm no good at soldering either, so using the pre-wired rail joiners will save me a LOT of time. Sometimes, my time is money, even when it isn't
Marlin338MX
Well-Known Member
Thank you!
I have 30 Atlas remote turnouts, that came with their own wiring and parts. But since they also work manually, I'll wire them as I see the need. All of my wiring will be routed under the benchwork and easily accessible.
