Wiring Your Toy Train Layout [Paperback]

Peter H. Riddle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2003

This is the "Wiring Your Toy Train Layout" Book from Kalmbach Publishing. / / FEATURES: Softcover book gives the information you need to start wiring your / toy train layout today. / Even if you can't tell a track lockon from the back of a Z-4000 / transformer, you can still wire a simple or sophisticated toy train / layout with the help of this book. / Using non-technical language and clear, illustrated examples, this / book walks you through many of the common wiring situations you'll / encounter as you build your own operating layout. / You'll find: / Electrical principles explained in terms you can easily understand. / Steps to wiring a simple, yet expandable toy train layout. / Proven instructions for wiring a control panel, track switches, / lights, accessories and other automation and train control / devices. / A command control system overview. / Troubleshooting tips. / An extensive glossary. / With this book, the mysteries of wiring will no longer keep you from / enjoying that operating toy train layout you've always wanted. / / SPECS: Pages: 95 / sdw 12/10/03 / ir/jxs

Product Details

• Paperback: 95 pages
• Publisher: Kalmbach Publishing Company (December 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897784774
• ISBN-13: 978-0897784771
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,207,129 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Peter H. Riddle is a Canadian author living in Nova Scotia. His works include a series of twelve books about model railroading, eight novels, two novelettes for young readers, a text about American Musical Theatre, and an illustrated read-aloud Christmas book (to be released in October, 2009). He is a 48-year veteran of the teaching profession, having served in the public schools of New Jersey and Nova Scotia, as well as 36 years as Professor of Music at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, where he continues to teach part time after retirement in 2005. He is an avid model railroader, photographer and sailor. Most of his novels reflect his home province, and include sequences of sailing off the Nova Scotia coast.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Covers all the basics for 3 rail wiring, February 13, 2006

By 

Jon D. Lamkins - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Wiring Your Toy Train Layout (Paperback)

This book provides the basics of everything you need to know about 3-rail train wiring. Especially helpful is the section on wiring blocks, hooking up and phasing multiple transformers, and wiring accessories.

Note 1: This covers AC wiring. There are other books that cover 2-rail DC wiring (there are differences!)

Note 2: For the toy train newbie. If the book cover contains the text "Classic Toy Trains" it's primary concern is 3-rail and O or S scale. If the text says "Model Railroader", it's primary concern is 2-rail HO and N scale. This is good to know so that you don't spend your money on books that are not applicable to your layout.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Peter Riddle covers it all, July 4, 2009

By 

G. Ulrici (Richmond, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Wiring Your Toy Train Layout (Paperback)

Peter Riddle's Wiring for Your Toy Train Layout is an excellent source for the wiring novice and even those with a little layout working experience. The book touches all the principal track possibilities & gives examples of wiring for each. The book also touches upon the newer command control systems (by Lionel & MTH) but this discussion would not be reason to purchase this book.
For me, a true beginner in building a permanent layout, I found it a little wanting in the particular track I chose- Ross Custom sectional track. For example I found it impractical to wire by soldering underneath the track, separating the rails distorted my track sections and soldering flat against the rail (as suggested by Mr Riddle) made it just as difficult when it came time to inserting it into the particular roadbed I'm using- Rossbed. But that's me, your mileage may vary as they say.
However, in total, I would have to say that this book (along with Peter Riddle's Trackwork for Toy Trains) is a must for the neophyte embarking on his first journey in the world of 3 rail layouts.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great wiring guide for model trains, June 2, 2010

By 

Mr. Kenley C. Vogt "kcventures" (Penfield, New York 14526) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Wiring Your Toy Train Layout (Paperback)

This is a great resource for wiring a Lionel train layout. It was well explained and great drawings. I found it very useful for building "control blocks" in our superstreets layout. I recommend this for anyone getting started or getting more involved with model railroading. It is simple to understand and very easy to read.