Customer Reviews

Wiring Your Toy Train Layout

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book contained useful information as I am building my second O scale layout. The information on advanced techniques was particularly helpful to me in the area of building and wiring a control panel.

Clearly and concisely well written with ample photos. Could have been more detailed but still worth every penny.

Simple. Any twenty dollar book that is impossible to find on here on google or elsewhere for less than seventy dollars must be good. No. No. Great. In fact, I want this book so badly. But 70+? No way. I'm headed to a library 120 miles away to read it.