Interconnection baseboard to mimic panel

Hi All  Still dreaming of a permanent design based upon the Southern , I am faffing about with connecting cables,I have purchased Sub miniature 555 male and female connectors and likewise a cable to go between.
But after spending my working life on trains, I never got to grips with electrical connections .
My question can only be answered by an experienced electrician?? I discovered that the Male PIN numbers didn't correspond with the Female socket numbers on the cable i.e. Pin 1 goes to socket 5 etc! would some kind person please tell me why?? All the best. Kevin