Category: wiring

Basic Wiring for Lighting and Accessories | Bandit Canyon Railway

 

BCRy Part VII. As promised, heres a how-to on the 9 volt wiring system I use for lighting and animated accessories on the On18 Bandit Canyon Railway. In this episode, I build a second animated balancing rock with a different technique, then show how I set up the 9v wiring bus step by step.

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

9 volt ac/dc transformer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00191WVF6?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
DC power bus: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DW2C4ZB?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Bandit Canyon Ry | Building a PWM Throttle for Smooth DC Power

 

BCRy Part V. My On18 Bandit Canyon Railway runs on good old fashioned analog DC power - but I haven't always been that thrilled with the performance of the usual commercial hobby power packs. In this episode, I use a Pulse Width Modulating (PWM) regulator to build a better DC power pack that delivers smooth current for much improved running - especially at slower speeds! And I fit it all in a custom 3.25" x 2.5" case that mounts out-of-the-way below the layout roadbed. Just say no to bulky power packs!

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

PWM Regulator

Bandit Canyon Railway | Roadbed, Track and Power

 

BCRy Part II. Work continues on my On18 Bandit Canyon Ry micro-layout! This week, I add risers to raise the plywood sub-roadbed up to the desired height, then it’s time for cork roadbed, laying some Peco flextrack, building a simple manual turnout linkage, and hooking up the DC power. Join me as I bring the BCRy to life for the first time and explain a few tips and tricks learned over the years to make all of these tasks a little smoother and easier.

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

Spooky Lighting Effects for Gruesome Gulch – GGRR Part 10

 

It’s time to really set the scene on the On30 Gruesome Gulch mini-layout with a few spooky lighting effects! First I build and install a 9 volt power strip for all of the structure and scenic lighting, then it’s time to improve the layout ambience with some LED RGB tape lights for the background, and a pair of warm/cool can lights for the front of the layout.

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

Building a Western Boomtown Part 1: Groundwork

 

Howdy folks! Let’s build a Wild West boomtown! I’m jumping in with both boots on my 1880’s boomtown based on Knott’s Ghost Town and the real silver mining town of Calico. In this first installment, I lay the groundwork for the town with a road and some scenic rockwork built from XPF foam and Sculptamold. I also talk briefly about the12 volt DC power that will be used to light and animate the town’s structures.

Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave

“Knott’s Preserved” by Christopher Merritt and J. Eric Lynxwiler: https://amzn.to/3n27CnE

Calico Mountain Expansion Part 4: On18 Track Levels

 

In episode 4 of the Calico Mountain Expansion how-to series we get the On18 trains running on two levels! Some changes are made to the original plan, with a second mid-height loop of On18 track added to increase the fun and visual interest. Don't forget to subscribe and hit that notification bell so you don't miss a single episode. Thanks for tuning in, amigos! Dave

A Visit to Olson & Furlow’s Place

 

Let's pay a visit to Olson & Furlow's place, my scratchbuilt structure inspired by the modeling of John Olson and Malcolm Furlow. We'll take a look back at how the building was originally assembled, then retrofit the interior with new details and LED lighting. Should be fun!

Thanks for tuning in, amigos!
Dave

Calico Mountain Expansion Part 2: Roadbed, Track & Wiring

 

Welcome to the second episode in this series on building the Calico Mountain Expansion to the Thunder Mesa model railroad layout! In this episode we'll install the cork roadbed, lay On30 flextrack and turnouts, and wire everything up to run trains with DCC control - including installation of an auto-reverse unit! In future episodes, we'll get the On18 track running, begin building scenery and structures, do some backdrop painting, and so much more.

Thanks for tuning in, amigos!
Dave

Wiring Turnouts for Reliable Operations

Featuring the Tam Valley Depot Frog Juicer

 

I get into the tech side of model railroading in this episode, explaining how to use Tam Valley Depot "Frog Juicers" to ensure reliable turnout operations. There's some good, basic information on how Peco Electrofrog power routing turnouts work, and a demonstration on how to retrofit an already painted and ballasted turnout with a Frog Juicer.