l'm running feeder wire to sections of my fastrack. I use spade connectors but they often fall out of the weak metal grip on the bottom of the track section. Has anyone got a good way of attaching, short of soldering.
thanks
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Not the answer your looking for, but I soldered 14GA feeders right to those tabs underneath the fastrack. IMO best thing I ever did. It only takes a few seconds with a 25w iron. I've never had a power delivery issue.
If this is for a permanent layout, all the more reason to solder. Should you need to make a change, a few seconds with the iron will also release the wire.
The size that is required is a .110 quick disconnect terminal. Some auto stores have them if you need a few. If you can wait a little they are cheaper on eBay. Be sure to get them for the size wire that you are using.
I need needle nose to push them on the first time.
I have been using spades for several years & have never had a problem. I think you may be using the wrong spades. You can solder directly to where you would place the spade if that works better for you.
Ken M
Thanks for the help. Perhaps soldering would be best.
Al B
Tombstone Soutwest RR
I have some extras. How many would you need?
Al B,
Carl is absolutely correct, the .110 spades are the only one's that work correctly, if you purchase the exact Lionel FasTrack connectors you will see what I am talking about, they have to be forced on slowly and in a certain direction, so that they never come off while operating the layout. Other size connectors not only come off, but set up a poor connection that becomes problem attic via usage, unless you solder them. I have many that I scratch built with the .110 spades, and a few that came with the FasTrack in different Train sets.
PCRR/Dave
The problem with using those tiny spade connectors is they really limit your wire size. It depends on your layout of course but 18ga wire is really not ideal for a TMCC/Legacy layout.
Thats why I just stripped off 1/4 of the insulation from my 14 ga wire and soldered it, done!
RickO posted:The problem with using those tiny spade connectors is they really limit your wire size. It depends on your layout of course but 18ga wire is really not ideal for a TMCC/Legacy layout.
Thats why I just stripped off 1/4 of the insulation from my 14 ga wire and soldered it, done!
They don't limit the wire size- I buy them for 14-16awg. I found the insulated version was too big to fit straight in.
I ordered some from wiring products.com. I'll give them a try.
Thamks.
Al B
Al,
I think you'll find that they'll work for you. I had forgotten about your cool layout. Are you adding track to the new section or just repairing/adding feeders?
I should have built your LC remote limit device. I finally have the grandson, now 4, running trains at normal speeds... most of the time. However he has cranked his to full and blown out the internal stops looking for more speed. And I thought I was safe just reducing the track voltage
I purchased my .110 connectors from www. parts-express.com . They offer the size for 16 gauge wire. Also maybe 14 gauge.
Al
Did those work?
As John said:
If you need some I can zap you a couple dozen no problem. I have insulated and non insulated .
I have so many of those things . Purchase to many. I can get them at a local electronics store.
I solder the dang things and forget about it.
Course I have about 300 plus feet of track so that's why I chose to solder them.
Larry
I too just solder the wires (14ga.) right to the piece. Done.
What gauge wire is the Lionel Accessory Wire (6-12053)?
Lionel uses 22AWG, which is inadequate for just about anything track related. It is fine for accessories. In general, track power should be supplied by at least 18AWG, although thicker wire generally improves overall performance. It would depend upon your power requirements and distances involved.
Überstationmeister posted:Lionel uses 22AWG, which is inadequate for just about anything track related.
I'm guessing 14ga or 16ga would be more appropriate? I would be using these between accessories and power supply - whether it be the track (for now until I get a layout built) or a power supply (not sure what "this" power supply would be).
