can also be expensive. I’ve found that old stereo cables work
quite well; if you’ve just upgraded your TV to HDMI cables,
those retired RCA connectors are perfect for distributing power
over short distances [10].
I’ll assume you don’t have some lying around, and would have
to order them. Here too, going name-brand jeopardizes the
budget, but by trading sweat equity (some might call it “fun
time with the hobby”), a much more cost-effective solution is
possible. One vendor, monoprice.com, has excellent heavier-
duty cables (RCA for your railroad, and HDMI for your home
theater, in case you’re thinking!) at really great prices, reason-
able shipping, and they’re warranted for life.
T-Trak calls for two parallel tracks. This is great if a dual-track
railroad is what you’re contemplating, but doubles the cost of
the track, so we won’t go there. Paul E. Musselman’s site has
some interesting design ideas in this area for you to consider;
build to these unofficial standards, and you may not be isolat-
ing yourself very much.
10. Inexpensive
stereo cables
can be used for
power distribution.
Shown here is the
underside of a
module with RCA
connectors feeding
power to the
various tracks.
10
$500 layout 3rd place - 8
MRH-Oct 2014
