Making your first connection from the controller to your track is the most important. Hornby Magazine explains the basics and how you can connect wires to your track neatly.
MODEL RAILWAY electrics are an essential part of a working layout and with a few simple techniques everyone can install wiring to bring their railway to life and keep the wires concealed out of view.
The term 'electrics' scares many modellers, but the simple truth is that all circuits on a model railway are a repetition of the same basic positive and negative feed.
There are two main types of control system available today – DC (analogue) which uses a 12v DC controller to supply power to the track when the control knob is turned and DCC (digital) which provides a constant 16v AC current to the track and sends electrical signals to a decoder (a small computer chip) installed inside a locomotive. Both have their merits and cost implications, and you can read our Control Choices guide on pages 14-15. What we aim to do here is arm you with the basics and understanding so that you can begin wiring your own layout.
With a little planning and a 'keep it simple' attitude wiring up a model railway is within the abilities of everyone.
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