Barrier Strips

Thank you very much for the welcome Ed.!  I have already received valued information

from several members.  It appears that O gauge model trains are as popular today as they were back in the golden days of lionel.  The last layout I had was over 40 years ago

and that was HO.  Never thought I would have trains again.  A few years back, I started building 1/24 scale buildings to go with Danbury/Franklin mint cars.  I met a man in Michaels who was buying balsa wood.  He told me he makes and sells 1/4 scale

structors for his Millionair customers all around the world for theri O scale trains....

So I built an O scale bldg.  I liked the size better than the 124 scale.  I guess once I realized that todays O guage trains can talk and have prime mover sounds.  And so many accessories that was it...HOOKED.  Thus, here I am.  I built aproximately 20

buildings or so, and realized, now I need a layout for them....It's nice to see today so many individuals enjoying this hobby and sharing tips and secrets.  I must say though It can really be quite expensive compaired to other scales.  But there is something special about O gauge that is more eluring than others...Especially with the enhancements of todays technology incorporated in them.  So I think we are all building our own miniture pleaseantville where we can be kids again waiting for the 3:35PM fast freigt express to go by as we count how many cars in the consist......

PS Got 2 and 1/2 feet of snow on the ground here in south western, CT  There have been winters with a lot more than that.  3 to 3/1/2 """"""....   

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QG 48 As Ed says Welcome. Check out Booth Memorial ... Also a Show coming up in Trumbull March 23... Ed and Booth Memorial are normally in attendance. And I have learned a lot from this post alone about layout wiring.. Thanks All

Yes Jim.  That is exactly what I looke at.  I dont think I need a 100 pole though.

I like the looks of these and with input I am going with them.....

Thanks you very much. I appreciate your help...........

I bought ten of the ten hole models.  I figure that will give me about 100 red and 100 black connections if needed.  I'm building a 28' X 15' double track layout.  I plan to over kill the wire feeds.

I hear you!  Mine is only 5' X 13' .  You know I had bought some barrier strips a while back.  So with what I have now, And a couple of these new ones I should be good.

Figure 10 lights on each strip x 2 strips.  I probably need 5.  All most all of my lighting is LED 12VDC........and in series, they dont really require  a BS.  But it does make for a cleaner install...........What is layout about?/?   

Nothing in particular.  I just started in O about three years ago.  I have a lot of n-scale and liked the bigger trains.  I'm satisfied with the track plan and I'm at the point where I have to work on the base coat and do the wiring.

That's quite a layout.  Did you design this in a CAD system?   I think the most fustrating

stage in building a layout..........is indeed the wiring.........ARe you running your trains

in between building...........it keeps it fun when you havr to do the difficult work.....

I used RR Track software.  I have only test run my biggest locomotive and longest rolling stock to check for clearances.  I have a small power supply and one hook up and on set of wires with alligator clips that let me get enough power to make it all the way around.  I have the grades worked out and a couple bridges in place.  Next comes securing the base and starting to finish the base.  The area along the bottom left will be a staging yard.

Jim, is there any questions I can help you with...If you'd like I'll send you an email,

or I can post photos on the forum.  Are you into scratch building or do you like MTH/lionel and others already built; or do you like kits........ I guess it all depends on the time you have to devote to building and budget considerations...........Atlas has a very decent industrial transformer on Amazon THAT PUTS out PLENTY OF POWER TO to run 2 big locos at the same time along with accessories.  Less than $100.00.  I wrote a review about it on Amazon.  If you're interested, and have the time you could take a look.  I think you'll like it and it will run your trains great untill and if, uou want to upgrade.  I will tell you all transformers are not the same.......many do not not out out the wattage they say they do.  This atlas model puts out a steady 21 Volts at top

speed.  Works with TMC, Lionel, WIlliams, Train manufactures want you to buy their brand, but it is not necessary.............You probably already know this stuff....excuse my rambling........... 

Thaks Dale!!  A very informitive and impressive prensation.  I like the idea of home recepticles for main AC power.  Looks like you a sofisticated layout.......with very solid wiring...........

Sure you can email me.  My email is on my profile.  I have a few kit buildings and some Railking buildings.  I have a Z4000, TIU and DCS sitting new in a box and am currently using a Z1000 for testing the layout.  My bench work is about 90%.  I have tweaked the elevations and track clearances.  I have all MTH Primer Locomotives and rolling stock.  I currently have three locomotives and about 60 cars.  I am using Lionel FasTrack and I like it.  

Want to thank all of you for sharing your knowledge with me/us. I have a much better understanding of what I am doing now. Once again the forum has saved me from throwing up my hands and saying forget it. I am very lucky to have a Radio Shack owner operated store near work.They carry barriers,jumpers and suitcase connectors as regular stock and are not one of the chosen 1000. Still is search of .110 female connectors but I have enough to keep be busy for awhile.

Thanks once again 

Thanks Ed.. maybe I will see you in Trumbull tomorrow