Nice progress. About a yard: I was going to mention that in my first post but figured you had already considered it and I didn't see anywhere you could easily build one. My only suggestion would be to add an "L" / module off one edge of the layout.
My wife would either shoot me or divorce me if I built another piece for an “L”. I’d love to have another 3x8 dedicated to a yard. laugh:
It pops the contact pin out of the plastic connector. It makes things a lot easier. The sleeve pushed the retaining tabs down so you can pull the leads out of the connector. You drop the wire through the tiny drilled hole and snap the connector back on. Inobu
Oh wow, I want one of those! I have a 12-Position Polarized Connector from Radio Shack that I used in my old layout. In the beginning of my old layout, I used it to connect all my blocks and turnouts to my DC control panel, but then I changed it to being mounted on the side of the layout. If I can move all my turn out wires to it, it would make things a lot easier. Right now I have 7 Turnouts,but I’m thinking of adding 4 or maybe 5 more. So That would make it two 12-pin connectors. I was running 3 trains through the crossovers and loops tonight and I realized that I need at least 12 blocks right now, at least until I go DCC which will probably not happen till the end of the year.
http://www.action-electronics.com/molex.htm Try this site, I didn't look around for prices, or variety, I searched on molex pin extraction tool. They also had crimping tools and a variety of connectors, you could build to suit.
Hey thanks Marty, they also have that exact Molex Pin Extractor that Inobu has shown under tools.:thumbs_up: I’m going to order the tool and a box of connectors. Thanks again
As chance would have it when I got to work today I was sent on an errand to pick up some critical parts needed and right next door to where I was sent was an electronics store. So I ran in to see if they had what I needed. I bought one of those tools and it works great, thanks Inobu for the suggestion. I also bought a package of Molex Connectors. Only problem is that the connectors do not fit the Kato connectors. I’m going to have to replace the Kato connectors with the new ones, at least fo now.
I'd consider a crimping tool (which you may have as an electrician. The holes are pretty tight. I've built the connectors with needle nose pliers. It's not fun.
Yes, as an electrician and a tool collector, I have a wide range of crimpers. I suppose things would move along a little faster if just cut the wires. I just like preserving things in their original condition. I also could just break down and buy the Kato 24-843 Terminal Adapter Cord or the 24-841 Turnout Extension Cord, which I’m probably going to have to do. I‘m just tired of waiting for mail order stuff. I ordered a couple of pieces of curved track for my lower right siding so that I can move my long UP passenger train out of the way and just got a notice that they are out of stock. Now, I got to wait another week.
yeah, I just bought the adxapters and I'm waiting on the last of my track to arrive as well. Can you tell me the size of the extraction tool, so I can get one as well
Molex connectors I bought the Molex .062” Econo Extraction Tool for $7.95. It works perfectly, but I not sure if it is the exact size. I say this because the pins and connectors do not work with the Kato connectors. Check out Todor’s thread. He asked the same question as I did about the connectors and got some good leads.
