Using a back-to-back gauge for your model railway ensures that the wheels on your rolling stock are spaced correctly...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
How do I use a back to back gauge?Read more -
What is a poly-cap?Read moreA poly-cap is a type of plastic cap often used in model-making kits, especially for assembling figurines or model...
-
What is Graham Farish?Read moreGraham Farish is a name you’re likely to come across if you're interested in British model railways, especially in...
-
When did semaphore signals stop being used in the UK?Read moreSemaphore signals, those distinctive mechanical arms that once graced railway lines across the UK, were largely...
-
What is Kato track?Read moreKato track is a popular choice in the world of model railways, known for its quality, ease of use and versatility. If...
How to connect power across mobile baseboard section?
There are a number of reasons modellers will need to create a layout in sections, some may desire a transportable show or display layout, others may simply prefer the practicality of a layout that can be packed away after use, whatever the reasons, power will be required to bridge baseboard sections when the layout is erected. But how is this done?
There are a couple of ways to connect power across baseboard sections, some more crude than others. The most basic way is to use track power clips. These are often found in starter sets and simply clip to the track. In this case though, instead of connecting the track to a controller, connect it to an opposing track.
The above method is clearly only for use on family fun or home layouts as cumbersome power clips are rarely seen on a display layout. For those, a plug-in terminal block hidden beneath the baseboard can provide multiple power sources across the gap. The advantage of using these is the number of terminals can be any number you wish, meaning the main track power and auxiliary supplies can all be plugged in using a single terminal bank. A neat and versatile solution.
Another (and more traditional) method is to use phosphor-bronze strips. These are soldered below each rail on both sides of the join, when the boards align (using dowels), the strips make contact and power is transferred. This method does, however, have its shortcomings as strips can become damaged over time and reliability can suffer as a result.
Posted in: Power and control
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Link Wire Set
Price: £ 11.99Link wire set containing two standard Hornby power clips and one set of wires.
Related posts
-
Can a "DCC ready" train be used on analogue?Yes, you can use a DCC ready train on your analogue layout. DCC ready just means that the train has been factory... - Is it difficult to fit a DCC decoder in to a DCC ready engine?In theory, it should be easy as the whole idea of being DCC Ready is to simplify the process. The first time I did...
- What is 7/0.2 wire?7/02 wire is a wire made of 7 strands of 0.2mm wire. Stranded wire has the advantage of being flexible while solid...
- Is an N Gauge controller compatible with OO Gauge?Yes, an N Gauge controller is compatible with OO gauge trains. You may have to change the power clip to the track...
- Is stranded wire better than solid wire?In my experience, stranded wire is preferable over solid wire. Stranded wire is more flexible than solid core wire,...