Solderless Wiring For Model Railroads (206)

[@Blue68Camaro]

I agree 100% with your comment of people having issues not using the correct wire or connector. I have been in electronics for 45 years and like everything else there is the wright type of connector for the job. if it moves solder it, if no these work fine and are quick and easy.

[@vincenthuying98]

Larry, thanks for the elaborate listing of different types of suitcase connectors. Very helpful!

[@donaldlewis1836]

Glad I discovered these, used them all over my railroad and they seem to work great. No shorts or loose connections.

[@trapdriver7006]

Excellent informative video.👍😀😀🚂🇬🇧

[@doncarlton4858]

Great job Larry. I use these on my O-Scale 2 rail layout. I've seen them used on a large modular club layout for years with no issues. As you say, when used properly they save lots of time and trouble over soldering upside down under a layout!

[@ricter591]

Thanks Larry for the refresher. 🐾🚂 KY.

[@thomasgrassi8817]

Hi Larry Great tips again. I use pump plyers on my suit case connectors I used them when I built my home long time ago. They are very handy and I use them on my railroad.

[@peterainsworth8466]

Nice work Larry. These work very well.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Hi Larry. I too have used IDCs for years with a 0 failure rate. As you already know, you will get some hate for purporting their use, but ignore it. IDCs have their limitations. Inwouldn't use them in a situation where there is movement or vibration, and I wouldn't use them where human life and safety depended in their reliability, but for model railroad layout wiring Inhave used them for 25 years and never had one problem.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Ron-I have been pushing these for years and have heard all the comments, positive and negative before so these are not new. I have developed a thick skin when it comes to this stuff.

[@dkaustin98]

I switched to Posi-Taps and I don't need pliers or vise grips. I just use my fingers. Posi-Taps speed up buss/feeder wiring and there are no connection issues. Plus you can reuse the Posi-Taps.

[@werta5000]

I have soured to these type of connectors, in the application of under your layout I'm sure they are fine. I see people wire automotive applications with these, and the climate around here turns them to dust. Sometimes they smoke right before they die to the green chronic of salted oxidation

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

Hi Larry. Another good video on connectors. Although it may seem simple to others, is there any chance you could do a video on creating and wiring to simple on / off switches so that you can isolate what we call in the UK, storage sidings? I think you call them staging areas in the US. Thanks.

[@TheDCCGuy]

That will be easy to do. For my storage tracks I plan to install ir sensors to cut off track,power once a train is fully past the turnout. I want to do that because most,of my tracks are out of sight and it will make it easier than requiring operators to do it. However there are other areas in my yards where I need to install a switch as you describe where I will have locos waiting their next assignment. Basically all you have to do is cut one rail at a point beyond the frog and run the feeder wire through a simple SPST on-off switch. Killing power to one rail is all that is required.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Larry excellent video, I am using the 3m version with the tool made for them but I went a step further, also use the Waco lever connector, great way to connect feeders also great for troubleshooting, Waco connectors can be reused ,I am finding that the knock offs don’t work great , great video

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yea, I just bought a bag of 100 Wacos myself. However for drops off a main bus I still prefer to use the suitcases since it does not require cutting the main bus wires.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Larry I use both , you need two connectors for each feeder connection , make it a lot easier for troubleshooting track etc , got the idea from KZbinr huge layout

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Larry check out KZbin video from Rprcrabbag S1 E5 8 min mark , he shows this method

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Rcgrabbag is the correct spelling Larry

[@rantube104]

I would dab dielectric grease inside the connector before crimping for resistance against moisture and zip tie them shut for module transportation vibration cause heat will tend to open the covers loosening the connector. 😃

[@levithetrainguy]

Can you use either solid or frayed wires?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Solid or stranded works. I use 14ga stranded for my main DCC power bus and 14 ga solid for my DC accessory bus.

[@jerrybengtson9779]

What size are your Irwin Vise Grip Pliers?

[@walterritter2495]

Great tip Larry, I've used both the T-Tap and 3M suitcase connectors on my layout and they both work great. Thanks for the great tips. Keep 'em coming.

[@ronduz1281]

👍👍👍👍

[@juliogonzo2718]

Just keep those scotch connectors the heck away from your vehicle. Fine for interior but exterior they rot out if they salt the road in winter.

[@SirLANsalot]

after your original video about those suitcase connectors, I found them at the car parts store, they work WONDERFULLY for feeders off of the main bus.

[@doublediamondrailroad5949]

Can you post in the Description the Types/Numbers of each and your auto online Source? Thanks!

[@TheDCCGuy]

It’s all in video #27 and the accompanying description.

[@doublediamondrailroad5949]

@@TheDCCGuy Ok Thanks Larry!

[@robertheroux2402]

These connectors suck! I used them and used the correct size wire, they come loose all the time. I now use vampire connectors from Acculites!

[@TheDCCGuy]

And I’ve built 3 layouts over the last 20+ years using them on all 3 and have never had a problem with them. When properly used they work great!

[@robertheroux2402]

@@TheDCCGuy- I have built the same amount of layouts and I know how to install these correctly as I am an engineer by trade. They are unreliable.

[@barnfulloftrains]

I will have to disagree with you, I'm in the RV repair business, we fix more shorts due to those than I care to talk about.

[@nedmerrill5705]

I use "close barrel crimps" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimp_(electrical) with a spade or ring end connected to terminal strips. This is also solderless, but I think it's more reliable than suitcase connectors.