Ribbon cable for FasTrack controller extension

Bob AndersonOGR Forum Member

I have been accustomed to using a 4-wire GRBW ribbon cable to create extensions reaching between Lionel FasTrack switches and their manual controllers. I used to get it in spools at Radio Shack, but they apparently don't sell it online, and all stores by me closed. See picture. I could also use the same wire Lionel uses for their switch controllers, but I don't see the availability of reels of it on Lionel's website. What do people recommend for such switch cable extensions -- preferably flat, possibly solid and 22AWG or other thin gauge?

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10/6/178:46 PM

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John HOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I use phone wire. The colors even match.

10/6/179:25 PM

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romiller49OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

It’s available at TCA York. I’ve bought 50 and 100 ft reels. I think Town and Country Hobbies is one of them. Try their website.

Rod Miller

10/6/179:28 PM

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cjackOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Olsen has all kinds of the original colors and black flat multiconductor cable.

http://www.olsenstoy.com/searchds.htm

10/6/1710:13 PM

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Train NutOGR Forum Member

Solid phone hookup wire...

10/6/1711:11 PM

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MoonmanOGR Forum Member

romiller49 posted:
It’s available at TCA York. I’ve bought 50 and 100 ft reels. I think Town and Country Hobbies is one of them. Try their website.
Rod Miller

yeo, what he said: http://stores.towncountryhobbies.com/wire/

10/7/177:31 AM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

You can use almost any type of 4-conductor cable, there is very little current flowing in the control cable, so pretty much any size from #24 or larger would be appropriate. For permanent wiring, you can frequently find solid 4-conductor phone cable, even had the right color codes.