How To Wire Your Model Train Layout - Basic Wiring Techniques - O scale Bus Wiring Tips - Lionel

/ trainwild1
Model Railroad & Layout Electrical Wiring Tip & Techniques for Basic Wiring
About this Channel - My name is George, and I would like to welcome you to my O Scale Layout! I am a Model Train Enthusiast, Scale Modeler, Builder.
This channel is dedicated to sharing my fine scale layout, and Lionel O Gauge Trains with you. I designed & built this complex layout with the purpose of simultaneously running as many trains as possible as well as realistic train operations.
Fun Fact: I was part of the construction management team during the construction of a train platform, adjoining train tracks and switches in real life. I share this experience in one of my videos!
I enjoy operating the layout and making really cool train videos to share with you.
Please Subscribe to my channel to view all of the upcoming videos!

[@searchingfor6thgear44]

I’m a serious noob to O Scale trains. I’m also only confident in replacing electrical sockets, light fixtures and switches but I really don’t know much more than red to red, white to white, and black to black. Nothing has caught fire, yet! I really appreciate this video. It helps me get my head around what I want to do for my Christmas layout.

[@trainwild]

I'm glad this video helped you, and I wish you luck with your layout. Also, thank you for watching my video and subscribing to my channel. I really appreciate it!

[@Faith_1123]

I appreciate Gorg, and l wish good health. DON'T GIVE UP, KEEP THE HOBBY ALIVE 😊

[@shoresypuppers4887]

George. Thanks for taking the time to create this video. I inherited a substantial amount of O, HO and N gage trains. Finally getting around to sorting this stuff out. I've decided to go with the O gage stuff mainly because I just like the bigger trains. I created a simple loop on an 8' x 12' table and was wondering why the speed of the train would vary. I only had 1 power connection to the track. Adding more connections totally makes sense. It explains all of the wire, soldering tools and electrical equipment that my step-dad had in some of these boxes!

[@trainwild]

Your welcome! I'm glad to hear that you liked this video and that it was informative. Yes, O scale is really cool because of the larger trains. Good luck with your new trains and your new layout! Thanks for watching and subscribing, I really appreciate it!

[@traderalex1]

THanks, George. Your video is actually far easier to follow than those from Lionel Support.

[@trainwild]

Your welcome! and thank you for your nice comment😀

[@randyarbogast2716]

Really nice tutorial! If I ever want to make a big O Guage layout in my big spare bedroom I can now do it with confidence! Thank you!

[@trainwild]

Thank you Randy, I really appreciate it! Good luck with your layout!

[@jcarmano]

You did a stellar job of explaining this simply. Great video!!

[@trainwild]

Thank you very much, I really appreciate it!

[@dandavis3770]

George, thank you so much for your very clear video! I’m new to this and have put together a mostly prewar O gauge train set. I’ve put together the layout and am finally to the point of wiring the track and accessories. Couldn’t do it without your videos! I’ll probably have follow up questions, if I may send them though here or elsewhere.

[@trainwild]

You're welcome Dan! Welcome to my channel, l and thank you for watching my videos. Yes, I try very hard to make my videos as clear as possible because I know how complicated this hobby can be at times. You can certainly ask me questions by commenting on any one of my videos (it doesn't matter which one). I will do my best to answer your questions and perhaps even make a video with the answer to help you any way I can. Good luck with your layout, and thanks again!

[@chuckudzinski9876]

Well done George! Confidence level is high after watching.

[@trainwild]

That's great! Thank you very much Chuck! 😊

[@fastrabbit22]

George -- great video! thanks.

[@trainwild]

My pleasure!

[@mikeyanello3664]

Thanks George. I finally understand this by looking at your video. Greatly appreciated.

[@trainwild]

Your welcome Mikey. I am glad to help, and I am also glad that you enjoyed this video. Thank you for watching my friend, I appreciate it

[@jlhood79]

Great video!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to show us newbies how to hook up our train tracks. This is one of the best videos out there on this stuff.

[@trainwild]

Your very welcome!!! I really appreciate your wonderful comments, Thank you very much!

[@DavidRamirez-ww5kv]

Thank you sir. Very easy and well explained. Lionel can’t even explain it as well as you did.

[@trainwild]

You're welcome David. I really appreciate your wonderful comments. Thank you too!

[@JerryCarr-u7g]

This is well done, organized, and understandable. Thank you. Jerry Carr

[@trainwild]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stephenlyons8575]

I am new to the hobby. I have been looking and waiting for exactly this kind of info. You explained the setup so a novice like me can understand it. Thank you.

[@trainwild]

Your very welcome Stephen. Welcome to the hobby, and welcome to my channel! Thank you for watching my video and for subscribing to my channel, I really appreciate it!

[@DigiacomoDave]

Excellent Information George, Thank you!

[@trainwild]

Hi Dave, Your welcome!

[@MRMRG-wf1xz]

Thanks for making this process easy to understand. Other videos I've watched leave me scratching my head.

[@trainwild]

You are very welcome my friend, glad you liked it!

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

this was so helpful to me. thank you for keeping it simple for those of use who are new to it all. almost all my questions were answered in this video for getting the electrical set up,I am sure ia can get started with tis information.

[@trainwild]

I am glad to hear this video helped you with wiring your layout. I also have a part 2 to this video on my channel that may help you as well. Thank you for watching and subscribing. I really appreciate it! 😀

[@tomschlitter1594]

Hey George! Thanks for this informative video. You explained it more clearly and concisely than any video I've seen. When you break it down like you did, wiring doesn't seem as intimidating as I thought. I just may take a crack at it when it comes time. Keep those great videos coming.

[@trainwild]

Hey Tom! I actually made this video with you in mind. I wanted to give you an understanding of basic wiring techniques and a good starting point. That's great to hear, I know you can do it!

[@AlfredBasso-z7h]

Now this guy can explain things.

[@trainwild]

Thank you!

[@ken0272]

Good video, to the point. excellent!

[@trainwild]

Thank you Ken, I really appreciate it!!! 😀

[@ken0272]

@@trainwild You're welcome!

[@East2WestXpress]

Thanks for the response. I will do that. Thanks again.

[@trainwild]

Your welcome, I hope it all works out!

[@Tom-xe9iq]

Very clear demonstration, George. I model HO but this was well done and informative.

[@trainwild]

Thank you Tom! I realize that you model in HO, but I wanted to say thank you for watching my videos. I'm glad you enjoy them. I'm trying!

[@East2WestXpress]

Thanks . I'm using fastrack. Great video .

[@christsogaugetrains]

Been there done that good for the youngsters getting into hobby

[@EmpireBeltRR]

Great information that is well presented. You hit the nail on the head with the learning to solder, neatness counts and labeling.

[@trainwild]

Thank you John, it's obvious you know that good soldering, solid connections, and labeling are key to to successful wiring for a layout. Thank you for your kind comments John, I really appreciate it!!!

[@garfieldisgod]

I have found that splitting the ground wire and connecting to "both outside rails"......gives a better ground to the whole track section or block.

[@neilschmid4991]

Awesome job, this is the best simplest explanation I've seen in doing layouts for years. Have you done a video on powering accessories?

[@trainwild]

Thank you very much Neil, I really appreciate it. Yes, I have made a second wiring video which includes accessories. It's on my channel, and it's called how to wire your layout part 2. I also have several other how to videos, and some cool train videos posted on the channel that you may be interested in as well. Thank you for subscribing and watching my video, and also for your wonderful comments. Have a great day!

[@neilschmid4991]

@@trainwild thanks so much I'm going to find that second part to wiring, track I do okay with but I have a hard time with some accessories.

[@nascarhyde]

Thanks George for the excellent video on basic wiring techniques! Also, I just subscribed to your channel!

[@trainwild]

Your welcome Paul, My pleasure. Thank you for Subscribing my friend, I really appreciate it!

[@Rich-en8rn]

So the bus wire is connected to the transformer and the other end is connected to nothing or to the track, (FasTrack)?

[@trainwild]

One end is connected to the transformer, and the other end is not connected to anything. It just ends underneath the layout.

[@scottyrocktrains5649]

Well done George!

[@trainwild]

Thank you Scotty!

[@MattTheLizard]

Great info!

[@trainwild]

Glad it was helpful!

[@keithjackson9141]

Thanks very informative video

[@trainwild]

Hey Keith, your welcome my friend!

[@jimhogan5333]

Nice video, good presentation. New subscriber.

[@trainwild]

Hi Jim! Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. Welcome to my channel! I just uploaded a new video an hour ago that you might enjoy as well. You can find it on my channel page if you have the time. Thank you again for watching and subscribing! - George

[@veganjen5420]

George!!!! What a great video! You explained things so well. We have the same multi meter...haha! I think I have to stick to the plug and plays! I’d probably get electrocuted if I tried doing this!

[@trainwild]

Hey Jen!!!! Awesome! That's so funny about the multi meter! Although I think mine has seen better days, and I think it's time for a new one. ha! plug and plays are so much better, not sure why I do this to myself...lol You're the smart one! So great to hear from you!

[@gmaneis]

@@trainwild Your video is really great. Newbie here who just bought a refurbished ZW on Ebay. I have tons of O27 and Fastrack and plan a 3 train layout. What are plug and plays?

[@trainwild]

Thank you very much, and welcome to my channel! It sounds like your going to build yourself a nice layout. Good luck! Plug and plays are easy to use sets and accessories that you can just take out of the box, set it up, basically plug in the transformer, connect the wires to the lock on or terminals on the track, and your ready to go. You can run trains and accessories very quickly without the need for elaborate setups and complicated wiring. They are easy to use and alot of fun! Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching!

[@scottsmith2052]

Just a thought - one advantage of using "suitcase" connectors instead of wire nuts is that you never need to cut your bus wires. Because the feeder wires are uncut, a problem with one connection affects that connection only.

[@paulcosentino7032]

Hey thanks for this, I have instant brain fog when people start explaining wiring bus wiring for layouts...except for your video which is beautifully and simply explained, you have given me the confidence to go ahead and give it a go. Btw, what thickness wire do you recommend for the bus ? Many thanks

[@trainwild]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing to my channel. I really appreciate it

[@robertrussell6774]

I'm running all 4 of my layouts off my transformer and one for my upper fast track question can you do it with HO ENGINES

[@trainwild]

Hi Robert, it sounds like you have a great layout. To answer your question, similar wiring principles can apply to HO scale, however most of the HO track is 2 rail track, and the wiring connections to the track are slightly different and they also require insulators on a reversing loop. 2 rail track wiring differs from 3 rail track wiring in several ways. Thank you for your comment, and thanks for watching!

[@gmaneis]

HO trains run on direct current, DC, and Lionel trains run on alternating, or AC current. You can't use a Lionel transformer to run HO trains, unless you connect a rectifier between the AC transformer and the DC HO track. Forgive me if I have misunderstood and you already know all that. I do not want to insult you if you already know! Just trying to help. HO trains run on what are called power packs, which provide the DC current they need.

[@CRPTrains]

So,should there be three wires spliced with the wire nut.

[@doubleutubefan5]

ok you got my attention with that dark ballast work, How'd you do it? Woodland scenics and wet glue? Something else?

[@trainwild]

Welcome! thanks for subscribing to my channel. Great question, it's various dark ballast (Mixed) with tinted wet glue for shading which helps give it that dark contrast. Glad you like it!

[@doubleutubefan5]

@@trainwild Very sharp, thank you for the reply!

[@trainwild]

@@doubleutubefan5 Thats great, your welcome!

[@guglielmodicarlo4139]

good video , although i have a lot of experience with DC power , this was informative, as I recently purchased a lot of Lionel train stuff from someone who purchased a storage container and was selling it, there is a lot of nice stuff in there, but all I was used to was the old school transformers with two wires and when I saw the Trainmaster transformer model VW I got a little nervous as I never used one before, now I can at least start to hook up wiring, Im still unclear on how the whistle and other features would work, but will cross that bridge when I get to it

[@trainwild]

Thank you very much, I am glad that you enjoyed it & found it useful. It's nice to hear that you acquired Lionel train items, and hopefully you will be running them soon. I wish you all the best with your new trains. Good luck with your wiring, I am glad to have helped you get a jump start with it. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing, I really appreciate it!

[@TeroquNoir]

Heya George, I'm try'in something a litttle less common to wire my O-gauge tracks but need some help mak'in sure I don't go up in a blaze try'in. Would you happen know anything about hang'in electric cables for electric-type locomotives too?

[@trainwild]

Hello and thank you for your question and for subscribing to my channel. I really appreciate it! Let me see if I understand this correctly, are you trying wire O gauge track using a conventional train transformer? In other words, are you just looking to hang the wires above the layout and then just come down to wire the track instead of wiring from underneath the layout? Conventional trains get their power directly from the tracks which are wired to the transformer. Or are you looking to provide power to the trains directly from the wire itself and not coming up from the track with electric hooks mounted on the trains to pick up the power from the wire?

[@TeroquNoir]

I've decided to use a catenary system as a second hot-wire, kinda like a bus-wire for my phantograph equipped locomotive.

[@trainwild]

I have never tried to install a catenary system, but it sounds very interesting. I am going to look in to this a little more so I can understand it a little better and maybe give it a try. I think it would make a nice addition to any layout!

[@TeroquNoir]

@@trainwild I agree, that would rock! I'm kinda doing it as a challenge for myself. Please be sure to make a video if you can, I wanna maake sure no safety precautions are left out. Thanks George!

[@NeedtoSpeak]

This is awesome! I pity folks trying to resurrect their own, or family’s post war Lionel pieces using the old Lionel provided directions…..especially the accessories! It seems Lionel didn’t focus on positive and common very much.

[@trainwild]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

[@daveygivens735]

Thank you, George. Extremely helpful for a newb. Probably a dumb question, but does the formula work the same for "N"? -Meaning, the gauge and feeder distances? BTW, that is a magnificent old transformer. My grandfather had one. I'm guessing it's 70-80 years old?

[@trainwild]

Hey Davey! Thank you for watching and for your comment. I would think for "N" you can use lighter gauge wire as the power requirement for the engines would be less than "O". Yes, this transformer is from the 1950's and it still works great! No issues whatsoever. The quality of products from back then is amazing. Built to last. Thanks again for watching, and for subscribing to my channel. Lots of luck with your layout my friend!

[@whitmorestrains]

George, do you glue down all of that black ballast or leave it loose?

[@trainwild]

Hi Whitmore! hope you are well my friend. I leave my ballast loose. I know almost all instructions outline that ballast should be glued, I however opted to keep my ballast loose. I had done several types of tests to see what works best for my layout, and keeping it loose worked better in my case. Hope this helps!!!

[@whitmorestrains]

@@trainwild I do as well. I keep if very far below the top of the rails. I guess it would be disrupted if I have a severe derailment. It would make modification cleanup easier (you could vacuum off sawdust or just dust from a glued down ballast), but you could just as easily put more down. I will probably continue to leave it loose. Thanks man!

[@trainwild]

Agreed! Whenever mine gets disrupted from a derailment or just someone touching it, I just use a pairnters brush and brush it smooth again to get the depression out. It works well, or like you said just add more here and there. Either way works!

[@whitmorestrains]

@@trainwild Keep up the great work…Your layout is very entertaining to watch, and your videos are fantastic and full of stuff to learn. Great job!

[@trainwild]

@@whitmorestrains Thank you! 😀

[@davidnorris2923]

George thank you so much your videos help a lot. Question I have is if I have four blocks from ZW transformer to four main lines. Do I have to put a break in the center line to segregate each power block? I believe I do but have had mixed answers. Can they all be hooked together it seems this will go against everything I know about electricity. I have ZWL and a ZW I plane to use so I can have multiple lashups. Thanks in advance David Norris

[@trainwild]

Your welcome David, glad to help. Yes, for O gauge 3 rail track, you most definitely have to put a break in the center rail to segregate each power block. Each set of bus wires that powers a separate loop requires a break in the center rail only at some point. The outside rails do not require a break. Center rail breaks only separating each loop. And each loop should be powered by separate bus wires coming from individual throttle terminals for each loop. This way each throttle powers an individual separate loop. You will can put the breaks in the center rail where the switches meet. I am currently working on several videos, and one of them includes breaks on center rails for separate loops. Hope this helps My friend! Thank you for your question and thanks for watching!

[@davidnorris2923]

@@trainwild George thank you for the quick response and I now feel confident. Layed up at the moment planning my new layout for later this year. Thanks again really enjoy all your videos. David

[@trainwild]

@@davidnorris2923 Your very welcome, anytime my friend!

[@skipsarasin4081]

What gauge size is that bus line? Thx

[@trainwild]

Hi Skip, Lionel recommends 16 Gauge for a bus wire. I recommend 12 gauge or 10 gauge for the bus wire. I explain this around the 3:40 mark in the video. Thank you for watching and subscribing, I really appreciate it! 😀👍

[@DunbarLandFarms]

Where did you buy the metal strips that you use with the terminal blocks

[@trainwild]

The strips come with the terminal blocks

[@DunbarLandFarms]

So where do you buy your terminal blocks as the ones I’ve bought don’t come with the connectors

[@guglielmodicarlo4139]

question , just purchased a used set and has one of the turbo engines, and pretty sure it smokes, but I cannot find any videos on how to do it, I have no idea, what to do to initiate a smoking locomotive , any advice?

[@trainwild]

Hey Guglielmo, congratulations on your purchase. If it runs conventionally and if it is made to smoke, all you have to do is fill it with smoke fluid or pop in a smoke pellet. I don't know what make and model you have, but that should do it if it works. It could also be that the smoke unit might not be working and it would need to be repaired. If it is a Legacy engine then you just have to put smoke drops in the engine and then press the smoke button to activate the unit. Hope this helps! Good luck!

[@guglielmodicarlo4139]

@@trainwild thanks , yes it does,, and I guess it uses pellets as I found a container labeled smoke pellets, , do I add water or something or just the dry pellet?

[@trainwild]

Good to hear that you found the container with smoke pellets. All you have to do is drop in a smoke pellet and then just run the train. (Do not add water) If the smoke unit is in working condition, it should start smoking while its running around the track usually after 20 or 30 seconds. If it doesn't start smoking after a few runs around the track, then you might have to get the smoke unit repaired. I hope your smoke unit works and you get to enjoy your train!

[@guglielmodicarlo4139]

@@trainwild ok, thats what I did, guess it does not work, do you do repairs?,, would love to send you this unit and give it a going over

[@trainwild]

@@guglielmodicarlo4139 Sorry to hear that Guglielmo. I wish I did but unfortunately, I do not repair trains.

[@East2WestXpress]

Good afternoon. I have a z4000 mth transformer. I'm using terminal blocks to distribute power. I have volts but no amps . What does that mean? Please advise, thanks.

[@trainwild]

Hi, this can occur for several reasons. The first reason could be there are no trains running on the track during your testing. Amps should be checked when there is resistance. Otherwise, it will show as zero amps. Second reason the breakers could have popped on the transformer. Check and see if you can reset them. Third reason is the transformer could be faulty and may require service. Hopefully, it's nothing serious. Lets begin and try step 1 and try running a train when you measure the amps. Hopefully you can now get a good reading on the amps. Good luck!

[@RonnieHank2003]

What gauge wiring?

[@Hullabaloo478]

Can you have multiple wires on one connection?

[@trainwild]

Hi Andrew, if i understand your question correctly, the answer is yes, you can. Just make sure to make good terminations / connections. Good luck! 👍

[@Hullabaloo478]

@@trainwild we got a Z 1000 transformer from MTH. The transformer only has two knobs, for of a better word, to put wires in and we have four switches, a spotlight and a house with the gate. It’s an oh 27 gauge set from the 40s and 50s.

[@franciscorodriguezsalmoral8416]

Hacer bocetos de trenes y maquetas de los trenes

[@trainwild]

Si Francisco, Si hare bocetos de maquetas de trenes. Gracias

[@markhill4850]

How much do the components cost?

[@trainwild]

Hi, I'm not sure off hand, but most of the electrical components can be found on online on the Amazon, Walmart, or Home Depot website. Any of these sites will show you the price of each specific item.