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Electrics
Hints, tips and advice on installing, building and fixing model railway electrics and wiring; DC and DCC; track, lighting, signalling, controls and accessories.
How prevent, find and fix model railway track voltage drops
Voltage drop is a common problem in model railways, especially when you start adding more track and accessories and is one of the most common causes of [...]
How would you wire this passing loop oval layout?
John B. Recently posted a track plan to the ModelRailwayEngineer community asking for wiring suggestions. [...]
Shuttle-units: what you need to know
Sit back and let your model railway run on autopilot with a shuttle controller. MRE investigates these handy little devices. [...]
CDUs: The Power Behind Model Railway Point Control
If you're a model railway enthusiast, you know how important it is to keep your points (or turnouts) working properly. A Capacitor Discharge Unit (CDU) can [...]
What wire should I use for a CDU
From the gauge to the length, choosing the right wire is key to the operation of a CDU and point motor. Read this quick guide to the best wire for your CDU. [...]
What is a CDU & why do you need one
CDUs are a common component on many model railways, but what are they? [...]
Spaghetti free wiring
Here's a handy little tip to reduce cable chaos on your layout. [...]
Background scenic sounds
Want ambient background sounds on your layout, it's cheaper and easier than might you think. [...]
Model train wiring for dummies
The best instructional/reference books to help you get started with model railway electrics.
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How to attach wires to model train track
Moving up from track clips to attaching power wires to track? Here are 3 techniques, how to do each and the pluses and minuses of each. [...]
Ferrules, how and why to use them
Want to improve your electrical wiring contacts? Meet the electrical ferrule. [...]
Heat shrink protecting T junction cable joins
How to insulate wire T solder joints with heat shrink tubbing. You can't just slide heat shrink tubing over a T joint. [...]
A primer on wire sizes
Using the right wire for a model railway will not only be cheaper it'll make the wiring easier. But what are the right sizes of wire to use. [...]
Best wire stripping tool for model railways and household electrics
The easiest, fastest and best way to cut and strip wires for electrical work. [...]
Layout soldeirng tips for wiring you can trust
A step-by-step pictorial guide to soldering strong, reliable, wiring. [...]
The best model railway controllers for DC / analogue layouts
Want to upgrade from the standard model train controller? Not sure which controller to buy? This is my guide to picking the best analogue to fit your budget [...]
What voltage do N scale model trains run on
What's the best voltage for N scale trains to run on? [...]
How to wire Circuitron Tortoise Point Motors
Here's a quick simple guide to how I wire my Tortoise slow-motion point motors and use them with Lever operated passing contact switches. [...]
Light up with Magnets – How to easily and flexibly illuminate your buildings
A simple technique for wiring your buildings for lighting while still allowing them to be easily moved and worked on.
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How to fit platform lights
No model railway station is complete without platform lighting. Here's how to do it in five simple steps and a video walkthrough. [...]