My new controller has just arrived a gaugemaster combi ideal for my inglenook shunting puzzle. Now I don't want to dabble in soldering the wire to the tracks so is there an alternative to powering the tracks without soldering and I'm using peco track for my puzzle. :)

I don't use connectors myself but i'm sure Peco produce these.Check their website.

Hi Kev

There is no Peco power track as far as I know, but I suppose you could buy a Hornby one with appropriate leads.

I bought a Gaugemaster Combi for my puzzle plank and to be honest soldering is really the way to go.

I soldered wires to each piece of track and the other ends to a bus.

Then soldered a couple of wires from the bus to a jack plug socket and have a jack plug on the wires from the Combi.

http://yourmodelrailway.net/view_topic.php?id=14704&forum_id=181#p266285



Ed

Thanks Alan and Ed for replying to my question. ;-)

Hi Kev,

Peco actually have 3. PL-80 Power Feed Joiners for code 100, 124 rail. PL-81 for code 70,75,80. PL-82 for code 50, 83. Rail joiners with red/black leads attached. 4 pairs for £5.50 from Hattons. Make your own for practically nothing with some spare rail joiners and longer leads as there is only 8" or so on the Peco ones. The Combi is only 1amp output total, so thin wire can be used (0.2mm).

I have crocodile connectors at the ends of my NCE system wires as it gets moved around a lot. Bananas would be a good alternative, or RCA jacks and plugs.

Nigel

Thanks Nigel for the advice it all new to me so trying to make sense of things as I'm not clued up on electrics.

Just found these.

Peco Products ST-273 Power connecting clips - pack of two

This may also be of use Kev

http://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/Electrical.html#Basics



Ed

Hi Kev,

Like most things, underneath all the technobabble it's usually not that complicated.

One thing I believe most modelers here would recommend is soldered connections to the rails, rather than relying on friction fittings such as rail joiners or powerclips to conduct electricity (thanks Ed). It's not difficult, and not that expensive re equipment.

I use the alligator clips (where did the crocodiles come from I wonder?) to connect to wires soldered to the rails. My control set-up has to be switched between 2 different shelves/planks and the modules, so I need something portable. I really should get another couple of transformers and panels and wire them in permanently. It would save messing around.

Nigel

Thanks Ed for the links and Nigel for all your input. I'm using peco tracks code 100 so I'm assuming you need to use both the peco clips supplied. :)

Hi Kev,

No idea as I don't use Peco code 100 FB track or powered rail joiners or clips. I would hope Peco code 100/125 power connectors work with their own track. Sad state of affairs if they don't.

Nigel