Product Description

Covers the essential techniques needed to make electrical connections for a three-rail toy train layout of any size or complexity. Addresses fundamental electrical concepts, wiring and expanding a layout, accessory wiring, automatic train control, and troubleshooting.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #106604 in Books
• Brand: Kalmbach
• Published on: 2003-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.50 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Features

• Kalmbach Wiring Your Toy Train Layout - 108320
• KAL

Customer Reviews

Covers all the basics for 3 rail wiring
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 covers it all
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.

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