Basic Wiring for Model Railroaders, 2nd Edition

Learn to wire your layout like a pro! These simple and clear instructions wiring projects like block wiring, turnout wiring, loop track wiring, and other principles essential to building a layout. Using an uncomplicated, photo-driven approach, Rick Selby teaches you the basics of DC layout wiring.

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Author: Rick Selby
Softcover; 8 1/4 x 10 3/4; 80 pages; 225 color photos; 25 illustrations; ISBN: 9780890246

As a teenager, Rick Selby worked in a San Jose, California, hobby shop, where he began acquiring his knowledge of model railroading. Then, as a columnist for Model Railroader’s Student Fare department, Rick enthusiastically shared his knowledge with an audience of student-age, typically entry-level model railroaders. His ability to clarify some of the more confusing aspects of model railroading made him an ideal author for his Kalmbach book, HO Railroad from Set to Scenery, and for the 2nd edition of this entry-level book.



Rick now works as a game designer in Redmond, Washington. He is an NMRA member and has been an active model railroader for more than 30 years. When he’s not building models, Rick also enjoys railfanning, photography, automobiles, and golf.

Chapter 1: Basic electrical know-how 6
Voltage and current 8
AC and DC 9
Putting it all together 10
Cleaning track 12
Chapter 2: Tools and supplies 14
Tools 16
Working with wire 18
Wire gauge 19
Soldering 20
Soldering wires 21
Soldering track 22
Soldering feeder wires 23
Chapter 3: Wiring a basic train set 24
Train set assembly 26
Train set wiring 28
Chapter 4: Examples of basic wiring 30
Wiring turnouts 32
Wiring isolated track sections 35
Troubleshooting tips 37
Wiring reverse loops 38
Chapter 5: Basic block wiring 42
Block wiring 44
Wiring track sections 46
Chapter 6: Realistic train control with DCC 50
DCC operation and components 52
Connecting DCC systems 55
Isolating reverse loops and wyes 58
Installing locomotive decoders 59
Decoder programming tips 63
Chapter 7: Wiring lights and accessories 64
Wiring solenoid switch motors 66
Adding other motors and accessories 69
Wiring streetlights 70
Chapter 8: Wiring tips 72
Running wires 74
Keeping it neat 75

Finding tools and materials 79
Suppliers and manufacturers 79