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Make. Paint. Build: Hints, tips and advice for model train enthusiasts, model makers and miniaturists


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

Photo of a digital multimeter being used to measure track voltage on a model railway
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's planned OO gauge track plan
John B. Recently posted a track plan to the ModelRailwayEngineer community asking for wiring suggestions. [...]

Shuttle-units: what you need to know

TriAng shunters with shuttle unit
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

Photo of a model railway CDU from Gaugemaster
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

Photo of a model railway CDU
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

model railway
Want ambient background sounds on your layout, it's cheaper and easier than might you think. [...]

Model train wiring for dummies

books about model railway wiring
The best instructional/reference books to help you get started with model railway electrics. [...]

How to attach wires to model train track

soldering wire to oo gauge 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. [...]

A moving waterwheel

MILL HOUSE
My exhibition layout will feature a mill with turning waterwheel. This article explains the simple electrics behind this. [...]

Ferrules, how and why to use them

electrical ferrules
Want to improve your electrical wiring contacts? Meet the electrical ferrule. [...]

Heat shrink protecting T junction cable joins

Heat shrink tubing
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

model railway wiring
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

best wire stripper
The easiest, fastest and best way to cut and strip wires for electrical work. [...]

Layout soldeirng tips for wiring you can trust

how to solder wire joints
A step-by-step pictorial guide to soldering strong, reliable, wiring. [...]

The best model railway controllers for DC / analogue layouts

Gaugemaster Q controller
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

Tortoise passing contact switch wiring
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. [...]

What magic is this? How do I get working bicycles on my model railway?

cyclist magnorail
You've probably seen moving cars, buses and lorries on model railways but how about bicycles complete with cyclists, their legs furiously moving up and down? [...]