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Working on changing the wiring on my layout.  Using a terminal block and 14 gauge wire.  What size female crimp connector do I need to attach to the terminals underneath a section of the Fastrack?  From what I have read, I should run wires every 20 to 25 feet of track.  Preparing for a move from a conventional transformer to DCS.  Any other tips?  Need to know what size terminal connector fits before I buy a bunch of them.  Thanks as always.

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For Fastrack, it's better to run a drop every 3 or 4 track sections or so, rather than counting the number of feet. That's because Fastrack has a tendency to develop bad or high resistance joints at the track ends.

Further, I would solder the wires to the bottom of the track. Using female connectors allows for a bad connection from the wire to the connector and from the connector to the track.

It's also very important to solder the "T-bone" connector inside the switches. Fastrack switches tend to develop open circuits from all three center rails to each other.

I am writing this from many years of experience.

Last edited by RoyBoy

Is this a permanent layout? If so,it's better to solder the wire directly to the terminals.

If your running command/dcs use a t least 16 or 14 GA wire.

I have feeders every 10' on my layout and have zero voltage issues.

Heres a tip from Mike Reagan to prevent bad connections between track pieces. You can bend the connections as you put the track together.

Last edited by RickO

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