Re: Train Show recap

["Steve Wise" <swise@aoot.com>]

> One suggestion is to change out the power wires and plugs.  this is
> estimated to cost $150 with one solution available and a lot of man hours
> to re solder the connections.  Another is to change out track with new
> 38" track.  this will cost about $20 per module.  In order to do this
> effectively, we will need to make 2 tee squares for alignment that are
> long enough to handle 5 tracks.  Also, the track will have to be cut to
> 38" and then re soldered into the layout.

I find it hard to believe that the power problems are due to loose
connections on 10" track within a module.  Shouldn't these connections be
fairly tight?  They are never unplugged, so they should not loosen up over
time.

I agree that we should re-wire the 4-plug harnesses and see if it helps the
power problems.  The $150 cost Scott mentions is for 4-wire boat trailer
harnesses.  They are 60" of heavy wire (14 or 16 stranded) with a flat
socket at one end, and a flat plug at the other end.  We would simple remove
the 4-wire harnes on each module and attach the 3 hot plus 3 grounds from
the feeder wires that come from the track to the center of this 60" harness
and we're done.  That's only 4 easy solderings per module.  By easy I mean
no painful plugs/sockets to solder; they're already attached to the
harnesses!