Hey everyone!
New to the site and hobby, but have always loved model trains! Looking forward to learning from you all! I'm gradually building models and adding to the Platform I built. Basically, I was gifted an HO model Steelers train when I was younger and my wife was given a Lionel O gauge train. They've been in storage until we had the space to have them out and we finally do. I don't intend to keep the two scales together, but for now they are just to have them all out. My overall plan someday is to build a realistic set up with mountains, landscaping, ect. For now, we just have white felt down to act as snow.
My question revolves around wiring and terminal blocks or the best way to run wires without having to have them connected to the train power pack accessory option. I currently have some items running from the power pack, some running from the Lionel track, and I've also started using old 12v power cords I had laying around to run some lights. Doing it this way though, I'll run out of outlets in my surge protectors quickly.
I've come across some terminal blocks and was wondering if there are any you prefer? I've seen the 12 port MTH Terminal Hub. It says it's for O gauge. Does that just mean because it connects easily to my Lionel o gauge track power already? I've also seen a quick wires connect from Lowes.
My last question is gauge of wiring. Is there a rule on what to use and when? I saw a few atlas 20 gauge wires for sale. All 20 gauge, but different colors. Are they the same but various colors to easily differentiate?
Pictures of what I have going on are attached.
Thank you all in advance!
Matt
New to the site and hobby, but have always loved model trains! Looking forward to learning from you all! I'm gradually building models and adding to the Platform I built. Basically, I was gifted an HO model Steelers train when I was younger and my wife was given a Lionel O gauge train. They've been in storage until we had the space to have them out and we finally do. I don't intend to keep the two scales together, but for now they are just to have them all out. My overall plan someday is to build a realistic set up with mountains, landscaping, ect. For now, we just have white felt down to act as snow.
My question revolves around wiring and terminal blocks or the best way to run wires without having to have them connected to the train power pack accessory option. I currently have some items running from the power pack, some running from the Lionel track, and I've also started using old 12v power cords I had laying around to run some lights. Doing it this way though, I'll run out of outlets in my surge protectors quickly.
I've come across some terminal blocks and was wondering if there are any you prefer? I've seen the 12 port MTH Terminal Hub. It says it's for O gauge. Does that just mean because it connects easily to my Lionel o gauge track power already? I've also seen a quick wires connect from Lowes.
My last question is gauge of wiring. Is there a rule on what to use and when? I saw a few atlas 20 gauge wires for sale. All 20 gauge, but different colors. Are they the same but various colors to easily differentiate?
Pictures of what I have going on are attached.
Thank you all in advance!
Matt