Right, I have had my tea and buttered barmbrack with this video. Neat little Auto Stop remote power unit for £12, so that would be handy for many applications. Tho try not to leave yourself in the dark Charlie if that makes sense... LOL. I have to agree really useful storage boxes are indeed really useful to have around to put things in. It is easy to tell a man on a mission to do some graft when the sweatshirt comes off down to a teeshirt and after the results, the man has done well minus the CENSORED portion of the PM42. A typical Sods or Murphys Law moment proving that "What can go wrong, will go wrong"... LOL. Anyway, a great interesting and informative video as usual Charlie. Just think about it, 20 years ago we were all going mental over the Millenium Bug nevermind any other computer virus' to cause World Wide Wackiness. At least we have our hobby hopefully to help get the hours and days in and to keep our minds in a positive state until it ends. All that remains is you take care of yourself too Charlie and the same goes out to all your viewers as well. Be safe and do a Jonesy (Don't Panic!), think of others also, like the elderly for food and utilities during this crisis.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks Charlie, and for all you do for the modelling community. To learn and share experiences even in this climate of craziness. Let's hope it ends soon, but it is marvelous to see the WWW (a test of how well it copes with streams, vids, orders, shopping etc) coming together for support, fun, info & enjoyment for those that have access to such media.
I think I’ve commented before, I’m a 60-year-old man who has just decided to give up my hobby of remote control cars and start to build a train track, so I am watching all the videos of Crown UA-cam as you would. I can honestly say I’m enjoying you with more than any others I’ve seen so far, so thank you very much for the content and please keep them coming. can I buy you a coffee?
Never cease to be amazed and impressed by the knowledge that enables such a system to be designed, built and then wired. Thank you for sharing; a standard to aspire to.
Stuck in the jungle in Sierra Leone, far away from my railway in Australia, so I'll be living the hobby through you during this crazy time. Please don't stop posting as you are helping to keep people locked away sane.
Thanks Charlie! Really glad you leave in the bits that don't go to plan... so many people would have edited that out, but lets face it...we all have those moments!!! Good so see you've got something running... it's always a good boost to enthusiasm when you can see something moving after a lot of track laying and wiring!! Keep up the good work and Stay safe!
Thanks Charlie. I love it when new content from you pops up. Strange and worrying times everywhere including down here in Australia. Im frantically finishing building my train room so i can put your tutorials to good use. Makes perfect sense!!!
Excellent as ever. Just really useful and practical information delivered concisely and clearly with zero waffle, very easy to watch and listen to. Broadcast quality. Thank you.
Charlie, I want to thank you most sincerely. Firstly, I look forward to watching your postings with my Friday lunch and it is such a joy to see that, even someone with obvious experience, can make the sort of mistakes that I make on a daily basis. Secondly, as someone else said earlier, the advice about the remote controlled mains switches is pure genius and worth watching your videos of only for that. I had been looking for a means of turning everything off with one switch without having the whole of my railway cabin working off a single 13 amp socket for some time. Well, to be honest, ever since I left a soldering iron on overnight. I ignored your advice to wait until you had done some further research and it arrived from a notable 'Next Day' delivery service this afternoon. I bought a three socket set and it was a breeze to set up and I can now turn all off ALL of my mains equipment instantly as i leave my cabin. Thank again Charlie. Please keep 'em coming.
Hi Charlie, dedicated viewer, first time caller. I just want to let you know how much I appreciate the great work you've done on all of these shows. They're extremely informative, and fun to watch. My preference is to quickly download the latest video(s), load them onto the micro-SD card on my phone, and watch them later on my breaks at work. I keep them all stored on my laptop for future reference. I always look forward to them, please keep up the great work !
Great video on the wiring of all the digitrax components. Your wiring is an inspiration to me as I try to channel my inner charlie when I do it. Excellent to see locos moving again on chadwick. Stay safe in the current climate Charlie.
Your videos are great. Well presented and lucid, and you make the complex comprehensible. Everyone has stock phraseology; it makes you more human. Take care and carry on.
Excellent as usual Charlie Totally agree notes are a very useful tool I to use a remote to control power to my control due to the wall socket I've plugged into Had it a couple of years now works fine Stay safe in these troubled times cheers
Charlie, I look forward to your videos each week, your down to earth style of explaining things is so easy to follow and very entertaining “if that kinda makes sense”. I fully intend to become a patron so that you can continue to do what you do. Thanks Charlie. Kind regards, Roy.
Excellent video again Charlie. I like that you don’t edit out when there is a problem. It makes you human like the rest of us. It’s not that errors are made but that we discover and correct them. I am fortunate in having a small crew to work on my rather large layout and one fellow loves wiring. Mistakes still occur but they get fixed... no blame. Keep up the good work and stay well.
Hello, I'm brand new to model railways and just wanted to say thank you for being awesome, I love the tutorials and your delivery is both clear and light hearted which makes people want to come back again and again. Thank You 👍
Epic, indeed! It it now 3 months later (July), and I have learned so much in that time about wiring & DCC since the first time I watched this video. Time goes by, and suddenly conversion between AWG and the UK wire sizes is a snap. You have become an international hero to me, Charlie.
Though I’m an O-gauge man, good wiring concepts are ubiquitous across the scales. Nice job here and helpful video. Best wishes for your country in this crisis from Southern California!
Charlie, it is always better to leave a service loop on all wiring than to cut it close to length and need more wire in the future. Never be ashamed at the neatness of your wiring, there is always a reason why you do it the way you do. Great job!
Had those radio switches for about 10y now, free when we changed to eon, then we changed back again. Worked fine for ages but one of the channels finally gave up. Simply changed to one of the spare channels. Handy bit of kit for killing the power with one click. Nice informative vids. Cheers.
Thank you so much for your recent videos! I never thought I'd understand all the advanced techie stuff, but your explanations are clear and do 'make sense'... Having all units attached to a wall mounted board is a brilliant idea; will plan this for my layout. Keep it up Charlie, good to see things going on when most other things are shut down. Stay safe!
Thanks for this and all your other videos - a joy to watch! I bought my first remote switch about 3 years ago as it definitely is a good way to turn everything on and off, but the remotely controlled plug in question let out a puff of smoke and ceased to work while using a standard vacuum cleaner! The plug was only rated at 750 W if I remember correctly! I later found a remote system rated at 1000 W and this has been working faultlessly ever since. So best to check the rating if a vacuum cleaner, (also an important modeller's tool!) power tool or heat-gun etc is to be connected to the system.
Hi Charlie, After watching the earlier 12-way terminal blocks video a week ago I tried to buy them on Amazon, but they had very quickly sold out. I then went on eBay, and found the 12-way’s available, but in China! Well, despite the Coronavirus being dealt with worldwide, these arrived from China at my doorstep in 6 days! It is just amazing that you can see a product on one of your videos on UA-cam on a TV, find available stock on a computer screen, pay for it using a few taps of my finger on the screen, order it from a company in China, the order is packed, posted in China, flown from Guangzhou to Heathrow, then from Heathrow to Belfast, then from there to my house in the sticks. All in 6 days. And at a time when there are delays because of the terrible pandemic going around the planet! I now have 20 of those 12-way’s, so space for 240 wires for tracks, points, lights, turntable etc.. Hopefully that will be enough. Whatever happened to going wireless? Jim
I find the electronics and wiring to be the most tedious aspect of railway modelling. However, you've managed to make it as an engaging and interesting as it could be. A lot of useful information for me to use, thank you
Thanks Charlie great video as always. Please keep posting as your videos and others are helping bring a little joy and light in a dark and isolated time. Keep going mate, it kind of makes sense to me too!
One of the best decisions I made getting back into model railways, last of the track to lay, kits to build enough to keep me going til this mess that the world is in is done... great video Charlie, great to see trains running and just given you your 1000th like ;) see you in the next vid :)
Always enjoy your videos as I only have a small 5 x 2.5 'N' layout on a 1996 Graham Farish Track Mat. My Chief DCC set is in retirement but I hope to resurrect it in the future. Thanks for the very clear wiring instructions.
Just came across your channel Charlie. I have watched several of you videos today and have really enjoyed them, so nicely presented. You are a natural. I also am a Digitrax person. I too have a Really Useful Box fetish, all the home built racking in my shed is built to accommodate a certain size from their range. Really like this wiring video, some really useful tips and useful connectors shown. A man after my own heart using a spirit level to level the bus bars up. Once again great stuff.
Well Charlie I have learnt so much from you, have been modelling for 3 months but not picked up a single piece of track or a train yet, just learning and planning. My wife thinks I am mad enjoying a Model Train hobby without actually having a model train but I think you may agree this "it kinda make sense" to me! Luigi
Hello across the pond! I absolutely love your channel. You are very informative and honest in your videos. I have learned alot from you and cant say thank you enough! Happy Modeling! CHeers!
Another great video Charlie, thanks. The remotes are a lot cheaper and much simpler to install than the modification to the ring, they were not available when I started. Nice to see some loco movement at last, take care, stay safe.
Hi Charlie thanks for the video and those remote control plug sockets do look very useful. Stay well yourself and I look forward to the other videos that will come. Cheers Kev
I had iced tea and peanut butter cookies. That was a good video and informative. I'm building an nscale layout right now. I like using those terminal strips as a junction point for my bud wired. It makes trouble shooting easier. I also use Digitrax. I have an LNWI so I can run with my tablet or phone. The first time I used it was at a train show last weekend. It worked pretty good. Keep up the good work
Hi Charlie. This is the PERFECT video to sit down and watch with my morning elevenses tea 🍵 (not forgetting some Hobnobs 👍). The electronics board you've put together is looking fantastic. On my model railway, my electronics are situated in hand crafted wooden boxes - similar to block instruments in a signal box. GWR
Perfect video Charlie, plan to use this kind of set up on my new layout, Thamls for showing the start. Plan to hunt down all the other videos of your journey.
Hi Charlie. Really enjoyed the vid. Very informative and for someone who has all their railway stuff stored in drawers it was also inspiring. Need to get the loft sorted!!
Great video Charlie. Automation I don't think is my thing at the moment but enjoyed the video. Love the blooper, keep them in because we all make them and is very encouraging to see we can all make mistakes ( it did make me chuckle) Keep safe & wash your hands. Kevin
Love the wire organization. Also the advise on sizing for DC voltage drop is spot on. (Even if I know a number of US modelers who are spolit by being able to get 18 & 24ga TFFN as cast offs (or reasonably cheap at the US equivalents to B&Q). One item you might want to look into investigating while shopping is a "creeper" of the sort used by mechanics. Getting underneath your board is easy enough now, but will be a little less so with a layout above. The creeper, while being a knee-saving device could also double as a rolling holder of plastic bins, too. That's 2¢, but I washed it carefully.
yet another great video Charlie - thanks. One tip...don't put th epower strip under the shelf - you'll forever be knocking off the power switches with your box collection!
Hiya Charlie, For PCB stand-off I have used plastic children’s bead art from Hobbycraft. Come in packets of 100 I think, all different colours. Nice hole through the centre and very uniformed in height .
Mick, On your suggestion I went to our area Charity Thrift Store. I found a bag of 1500 beads. The church lady wanted to get rid of them. So as not to have to disinfect them from CoVid. Price tag: $19.85. Thanks for the great idea and cost savings. I'm CHEAP ~Jim
Thanks for the video Charlie. Although most of it appeared to be in Greek, it’s very heartening to see yourself and the layout ... very best wishes, Nigel x
Great video, Charlie! You do a nice job of wiring. Keeping notes is essential. I also like to make notes directly on the benchwork so I know at a glance where a particular wire goes. Don't burn yourself out trying to make a video per week. I know of a couple of people who did just that. Till next time!
Hi Charlie.....Des from Down Under.Thank you for a very informative video.....your naval background came through load and clear.... a place for everything and everything in its place.I use the Roco system myself which is a bit simpler than your Digi Trax.system,as you obviously digitise all your points and layout control wheras I just do the locos ,points are just electric control but protected by isinsulated sections.I do have block detection ,but at the moment not completed.Thank you once again for an interesting and informative video.Look forward to your next update.Regards and stay healthy......Regards Des.
Almost a year late, but just passing on some knowledge I only found out while setting my home music "studio" recently. Forgive me if everyone already knows this. I wanted to protect my rather expensive powered speakers against power surges and went looking for suitable extension block. I discovered they're not all born equal. Some come with a certificate that at they meet a certain standard (whose name escapes me). Crucially those come with about £30,000 worth of insurance in case they fail and blow up your gear! Peace of mind for a few extra quid. My 6 way block is by Belkin and cost under 30 quid on black Friday last year. Given the price of that DCC gear they might be worth considering. Great channel btw Charlie.
Hi it’s dan here, I have anxiety and you really help me with that. Also I’m autistic which you also help me for so I would like to say thank you From dan Ps. Love the vid
Charley just to let you know just ordered a 5 set of connectors yesterday from Amazon UK notified of delivery by June 5th 🤪 good job no time pressure 😎😷 Take care keep up the good work
@@ChadwickModelRailway when mine arrive i am going to start an electrical cabinet bit like yours thinking about having pull out draws as space is an issue.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thought you may be interested in this video I have made about creating rock work, not as slick as you but struggling with very basic software ua-cam.com/video/-buYBNginVo/v-deo.html
Charlie,. Thank God I found The Dead Rail Society. Never again will I get entangled in the maze of wire of traditional model railroads. Dead Rail brings about so much more simplicity and easy in operation. Also NO More Gremlins to fool about and search down. Now signilaing shall be Bluetoothed from my laptop. Take care. God speed.
Hi Charlie, Since I most often watch your videos in the morning, I'll have my cup of coffee and an English Muffin instead of tea and cookies ( LOL ) This is a very informative video Charlie, Thank You. I too have knelt at the alter of Digitrax since 1999 and have not looked back. Even though my current layout is very small (It fits on a Hollow Core Door) and I currently do not have a need for Block Detection and Power Management, it is very neat to see how all these components fit into the Digitrax system. Cheers, Rich S.
Hi Charlie. I just want to add something regarding your comments about wire sizing. Quite rightly you mention the current carrying capacity of any wiring needs to match the current likely to flow through the wire. However, the max current alone is not the only consideration when sizing wire. All wires have an internal resistance (often unhelpfully quoted as Ohms/Kilometre in manufacturers' data sheets) that is proportional to the size of the wire; the resistance of the wire will cause a voltage drop over its length. So in layouts using long lengths of bus, where the power source supplying the bus may be some distance from where the power is being consumed, then the voltage drop over the bus's length can have a noticeable effect. 7/0.2 wire has a typical resistance of ~0.093 Ohm per metre 16/0.2 wire has a typical resistance of ~0.038 Ohm per metre 24/0.2 wire has a typical resistance of ~0.025 Ohm per metre 32/0.2 wire has a typical resistance of ~0.019 Ohm per metre One might have, say, a 3A/12V bus used to supply DC accessories around the layout; in theory a 16/0.2 wire would be sufficient to carry the required current. However, if the furthest end of the bus was 25m away from the supply, then you wouldn't get 12V at that end, but barely 7V. Alternatively if one fitted 24/0.2 wire with its lower resistance, then one would get 9V, or 32/0.2 wire would give you over 10V. Just something to consider.
Hey Charlie. Only just found your channel, but glad I have. I use n gauge dc at present, but am about to venture into dcc. I really enjoy your advice, although I wouldn’t say that I understand it all!! Thanks for doing this. Keep up the great work.
Hi Charlie just watched your video very nice wiring I must say,as an electrician and having spent a lot of time making up control panels for packing machines there are certain products that we used that are essential,one being PVC slotted trunking which will keep your wiring tidy like nothing else and of course terminals and all the accessories a company by the name of Phoenix Contacts has a wide variety and they are an international company if you have time in your schedule maybe a google search to browse these products may be of some help they maybe over the top for your needs but the trunking is cheap and comes in various sizes.keep up the great video's
Hi Charlie, love your explanations, if you use DCC frog juicers on your points rather than switches, then when a train runs the wrong way down a point it does not short the power for the layout or district. Instead, sometimes it derails, shorting the power, but when shunting it is certainly a better idea.
Hi Charlie, it's funny reading other peoples comments from Green tea to wife's whom think we're all mad, well "it kind of makes sense" doesn't it. Great to see it all coming together and planning is the most important part. As you said wiring rating size from the outset to future proof the layout. As mine is to eventually run a loop around the garden voltage drop is to be taken into consideration. Great video and as I can see a classic didn't go according to plan moment. Thanks Charlie take care. Gateth
Hi Charlie, yet another brilliant and informative video, I have been using those remote radio switches for the last 3 years, I started off with etekcity, but had a couple of failures, so upgraded to Energenie sockets, wouldn’t be without them, although I have 10 in my train room.
Seriously I don’t think you can have enough outlet sockets, when I installed the sockets I put in 20 double sockets. The shed is 20’ x12’ very well insulated, and very cosy. So I have sockets that are remote, for controllers, accessories, general lighting, and signals etc, then non remote for the likes of WiFi, damn Alexa lol, phone, rechargeable’s, all good fun isn’t it. Seem to spend more time “faffing” about with the logistics, than playing trains. Any way many thanks for your blog/vlog, keep up the excellent work, and yes, I am subscribed👍
And here's me thinking DCC was just two wires! 😁 When it comes to supply and connections you should remember, the female always has the power ( so the wife says). One more thing, have you considered using a Frog juicer? They change the polarity of the frog faster than the command station can shut down. Result, no shorts on points. Great video, keep'em coming! Keith
Good stuff again, how the hell do you keep coming up with these ideas that keep covering things 'we' haven't already covered ?... Top man, good stuff Charlie.
Thank you Charlie for another excellent Video, I’ve yet to build my Layout and too went for the Digitrax DCC System so any Information on it’s Installation by your Videos is really appreciated. I built my first small Layout as a Lad in the Fifties so this new control System is all very interesting.
Hi Charlie, I wont go as far as saying are a magician with how to wire up a layout but your are darn close. Even though I run a single line layout very similar to the ' Mouldy Raspberry ' with a number of sidings so my wiring is relatively simple, but never the less I enjoyed seeing you down on your knees doing a wonderful job of explaining how you go about wiring your layout which no doubt will be of great benefit to anyone about to build a multi line layout. Cheers Greg
Right, I have had my tea and buttered barmbrack with this video. Neat little Auto Stop remote power unit for £12, so that would be handy for many applications. Tho try not to leave yourself in the dark Charlie if that makes sense... LOL. I have to agree really useful storage boxes are indeed really useful to have around to put things in. It is easy to tell a man on a mission to do some graft when the sweatshirt comes off down to a teeshirt and after the results, the man has done well minus the CENSORED portion of the PM42. A typical Sods or Murphys Law moment proving that "What can go wrong, will go wrong"... LOL. Anyway, a great interesting and informative video as usual Charlie. Just think about it, 20 years ago we were all going mental over the Millenium Bug nevermind any other computer virus' to cause World Wide Wackiness. At least we have our hobby hopefully to help get the hours and days in and to keep our minds in a positive state until it ends. All that remains is you take care of yourself too Charlie and the same goes out to all your viewers as well. Be safe and do a Jonesy (Don't Panic!), think of others also, like the elderly for food and utilities during this crisis.
What a heartwarming comment John. Stay safe mate.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks Charlie, and for all you do for the modelling community. To learn and share experiences even in this climate of craziness. Let's hope it ends soon, but it is marvelous to see the WWW (a test of how well it copes with streams, vids, orders, shopping etc) coming together for support, fun, info & enjoyment for those that have access to such media.
I think I’ve commented before, I’m a 60-year-old man who has just decided to give up my hobby of remote control cars and start to build a train track, so I am watching all the videos of Crown UA-cam as you would. I can honestly say I’m enjoying you with more than any others I’ve seen so far, so thank you very much for the content and please keep them coming. can I buy you a coffee?
Thanks Nick, for such a heartwarming comment. I’m sure one day we’ll meet up at a show and you can get the teas and biscuits! Regards, Charlie
Never cease to be amazed and impressed by the knowledge that enables such a system to be designed, built and then wired. Thank you for sharing; a standard to aspire to.
That’s most kind of you to say so Alex.
Always a pleasure listening to you explaining things, you chat at the right speed and pause at the right times, keep up the good work...
Thanks Idris, it’s great to have you onboard.
Stuck in the jungle in Sierra Leone, far away from my railway in Australia, so I'll be living the hobby through you during this crazy time. Please don't stop posting as you are helping to keep people locked away sane.
Wow, isolation indeed mate. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Thanks for the video Charlie. You stay safe too. We’ll be needing your videos more than ever over the coming weeks and months. 😉👍😷
No pressure then SJ!
Yes, I am sure many of us look forward to your videos and what is new in your railway world. 👍
Thanks Gabor, you're too kind.
Thanks Charlie! Really glad you leave in the bits that don't go to plan... so many people would have edited that out, but lets face it...we all have those moments!!! Good so see you've got something running... it's always a good boost to enthusiasm when you can see something moving after a lot of track laying and wiring!! Keep up the good work and Stay safe!
Thanks Al, I'm so pleased that you found it interesting. Stay safe mate.
Thanks Charlie. I love it when new content from you pops up. Strange and worrying times everywhere including down here in Australia. Im frantically finishing building my train room so i can put your tutorials to good use. Makes perfect sense!!!
Thanks Peter, I’m so pleased that you enjoy the channel.
Thanks Charlie. Just what we need to counter the current global situation. Full of humour, charm and technical info. Take care yourself.
You’re too kind Terry
Very well explained for those of us who find wiring and electronics a minefield .Keep safe.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it David
Thanks Charlie your videos are much appreciated. All the safe and best wishes to you and your family.
Thanks Mark, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
It is always a pleasure to see you working on your layout, and the effort you put in to making the videos.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Alan
Excellent as ever. Just really useful and practical information delivered concisely and clearly with zero waffle, very easy to watch and listen to. Broadcast quality. Thank you.
That’s very kind of you to say so OF.
Charlie, I want to thank you most sincerely. Firstly, I look forward to watching your postings with my Friday lunch and it is such a joy to see that, even someone with obvious experience, can make the sort of mistakes that I make on a daily basis. Secondly, as someone else said earlier, the advice about the remote controlled mains switches is pure genius and worth watching your videos of only for that. I had been looking for a means of turning everything off with one switch without having the whole of my railway cabin working off a single 13 amp socket for some time. Well, to be honest, ever since I left a soldering iron on overnight. I ignored your advice to wait until you had done some further research and it arrived from a notable 'Next Day' delivery service this afternoon. I bought a three socket set and it was a breeze to set up and I can now turn all off ALL of my mains equipment instantly as i leave my cabin. Thank again Charlie. Please keep 'em coming.
What a great a greater comment Tony, many thanks.
Hi Charlie, dedicated viewer, first time caller. I just want to let you know how much I appreciate the great work you've done on all of these shows. They're extremely informative, and fun to watch. My preference is to quickly download the latest video(s), load them onto the micro-SD card on my phone, and watch them later on my breaks at work. I keep them all stored on my laptop for future reference. I always look forward to them, please keep up the great work !
I'm so pleased that you enjoy the channel David.
Great video Charlie, I applaud your honesty and for making things easier to understand.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Ken
Great video on the wiring of all the digitrax components. Your wiring is an inspiration to me as I try to channel my inner charlie when I do it.
Excellent to see locos moving again on chadwick.
Stay safe in the current climate Charlie.
Thanks Alex, you’re too kind. Stay safe mate.
Nice to know toilet rolls sold out there too. Thanks for the vid. Gives me good ideas.
Thanks Vince
Your videos are great. Well presented and lucid, and you make the complex comprehensible. Everyone has stock phraseology; it makes you more human. Take care and carry on.
Thanks Michael, you’re too kind.
Excellent as usual Charlie
Totally agree notes are a very useful tool
I to use a remote to control power to my control due to the wall socket I've plugged into
Had it a couple of years now works fine
Stay safe in these troubled times cheers
Thanks David, that’s reassuring and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Thanks Charlie, that was a great video...the remote switch on/switch off alone made it worthwhile!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it C1953
Charlie, I look forward to your videos each week, your down to earth style of explaining things is so easy to follow and very entertaining “if that kinda makes sense”. I fully intend to become a patron so that you can continue to do what you do. Thanks Charlie.
Kind regards, Roy.
I’m so pleased that you enjoy my channel Roy.
Excellent video again Charlie. I like that you don’t edit out when there is a problem. It makes you human like the rest of us. It’s not that errors are made but that we discover and correct them. I am fortunate in having a small crew to work on my rather large layout and one fellow
loves wiring. Mistakes still occur but they get fixed... no blame. Keep up the good work and stay well.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Joe, stay safe mate.
Hello, I'm brand new to model railways and just wanted to say thank you for being awesome, I love the tutorials and your delivery is both clear and light hearted which makes people want to come back again and again. Thank You 👍
What a heartwarming comment Daniel, you’re too kind.
Epic, indeed! It it now 3 months later (July), and I have learned so much in that time about wiring & DCC since the first time I watched this video. Time goes by, and suddenly conversion between AWG and the UK wire sizes is a snap. You have become an international hero to me, Charlie.
You are far too kind, regards Charlie
Though I’m an O-gauge man, good wiring concepts are ubiquitous across the scales. Nice job here and helpful video.
Best wishes for your country in this crisis from Southern California!
Thanks Ken and stay safe.
Charlie, it is always better to leave a service loop on all wiring than to cut it close to length and need more wire in the future. Never be ashamed at the neatness of your wiring, there is always a reason why you do it the way you do. Great job!
Thanks JC, you’re too kind
Had those radio switches for about 10y now, free when we changed to eon, then we changed back again. Worked fine for ages but one of the channels finally gave up. Simply changed to one of the spare channels. Handy bit of kit for killing the power with one click.
Nice informative vids. Cheers.
Yes Mike, those switches are so handy. And fortunately not that expensive either, regards Charlie
I haven't got the same remotes but I wouldn't be without them. They save my back in the main, which is a godsend in terms of my arthritis!
Thanks Alec
Thank you so much for your recent videos! I never thought I'd understand all the advanced techie stuff, but your explanations are clear and do 'make sense'...
Having all units attached to a wall mounted board is a brilliant idea; will plan this for my layout.
Keep it up Charlie, good to see things going on when most other things are shut down.
Stay safe!
Thanks TM, you’re too kind
Thanks for this and all your other videos - a joy to watch! I bought my first remote switch about 3 years ago as it definitely is a good way to turn everything on and off, but the remotely controlled plug in question let out a puff of smoke and ceased to work while using a standard vacuum cleaner! The plug was only rated at 750 W if I remember correctly! I later found a remote system rated at 1000 W and this has been working faultlessly ever since. So best to check the rating if a vacuum cleaner, (also an important modeller's tool!) power tool or heat-gun etc is to be connected to the system.
An excellent point MW
Hi Charlie,
After watching the earlier 12-way terminal blocks video a week ago I tried to buy them on Amazon, but they had very quickly sold out. I then went on eBay, and found the 12-way’s available, but in China! Well, despite the Coronavirus being dealt with worldwide, these arrived from China at my doorstep in 6 days!
It is just amazing that you can see a product on one of your videos on UA-cam on a TV, find available stock on a computer screen, pay for it using a few taps of my finger on the screen, order it from a company in China, the order is packed, posted in China, flown from Guangzhou to Heathrow, then from Heathrow to Belfast, then from there to my house in the sticks. All in 6 days. And at a time when there are delays because of the terrible pandemic going around the planet! I now have 20 of those 12-way’s, so space for 240 wires for tracks, points, lights, turntable etc.. Hopefully that will be enough. Whatever happened to going wireless?
Jim
Blimey Jim, no wonder that there’s a world shortage of terminal blocks!
I find the electronics and wiring to be the most tedious aspect of railway modelling. However, you've managed to make it as an engaging and interesting as it could be. A lot of useful information for me to use, thank you
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Lennon
This video couldn't have come at a better time for me, since I am just about to start wiring up my new N gauge layout. Thanks! :D
Ah, great timing
Thanks Charlie great video as always. Please keep posting as your videos and others are helping bring a little joy and light in a dark and isolated time. Keep going mate, it kind of makes sense to me too!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Chris.
This is what I was looking for. Thank you very much. I had to subscribe to follow what you are doing. Thank you sir. From Cape Town, South Africa. 🇿🇦
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Brent.
Always so good to see your videos and im glad im not the only one so neat and tidy with wiring . My wife says im OCD lol
We’re in good company Leslie
Great video, loved seeing the trains running on the layout. Looking forward to seeing further progress next time.
Thanks Chris, stay safe mate.
Thanks Charlie, essential weekend viewing. Especially at this time.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Stay safe and happy modelling.
One of the best decisions I made getting back into model railways, last of the track to lay, kits to build enough to keep me going til this mess that the world is in is done... great video Charlie, great to see trains running and just given you your 1000th like ;) see you in the next vid :)
Thanks Steve, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Thanks, Charlie. I really wish that I could have seen your wiring videos FOUR years ago......! Ah, well, what's done is done!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it K31
Great video. Love the wiring side of things. Even being a DC modeller I enjoy seeing how things work for DCC.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Matt. Stay safe, regards Charlie.
Always enjoy your videos as I only have a small 5 x 2.5 'N' layout on a 1996 Graham Farish Track Mat. My Chief DCC set is in retirement but I hope to resurrect it in the future. Thanks for the very clear wiring instructions.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Stay safe and happy modelling.
Just came across your channel Charlie. I have watched several of you videos today and have really enjoyed them, so nicely presented. You are a natural. I also am a Digitrax person. I too have a Really Useful Box fetish, all the home built racking in my shed is built to accommodate a certain size from their range. Really like this wiring video, some really useful tips and useful connectors shown. A man after my own heart using a spirit level to level the bus bars up. Once again great stuff.
Thanks Geoff, and I was thinking that I'm going bonkers alone!
Always look forward to your videos charlie keep them coming you are a great help to me and i expect many others stay safe in these troubled times Trev
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Stay safe and happy modelling
.
Thanks Charlie, im doing a similar setup for my electronics and wiring....still you gave us a great example.
Thanks Marc,
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Regards Charlie
Chadwick is operational! Fantastic!
Thanks Nick.
Well Charlie I have learnt so much from you, have been modelling for 3 months but not picked up a single piece of track or a train yet, just learning and planning. My wife thinks I am mad enjoying a Model Train hobby without actually having a model train but I think you may agree this "it kinda make sense" to me! Luigi
I’m so pleased that to have you onboard Luigi.
Hello across the pond! I absolutely love your channel. You are very informative and honest in your videos. I have learned alot from you and cant say thank you enough! Happy Modeling! CHeers!
What a heartwarming comment Philip. Regards Charlie
Thank you for that, I can now get my head round the point of district wiring and a separate circuit for point motors.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Alan
Another great video Charlie, thanks. The remotes are a lot cheaper and much simpler to install
than the modification to the ring, they were not available when I started. Nice to see some loco movement at last, take care, stay safe.
Yes they are a little gem, but it’s early days. The return of trains is a boost too.
A truly epic video, Charlie! Thank you for the lesson; and for your candor! It wasn't that embarrassing! Looking forward to next week's episode!
Stick with me Pat
Thanks Charlie from Trainster, Erie PA. USA
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Stay safe and happy modelling.
Hi Charlie thanks for the video and those remote control plug sockets do look very useful. Stay well yourself and I look forward to the other videos that will come. Cheers Kev
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video Kev
I had iced tea and peanut butter cookies. That was a good video and informative. I'm building an nscale layout right now. I like using those terminal strips as a junction point for my bud wired. It makes trouble shooting easier. I also use Digitrax. I have an LNWI so I can run with my tablet or phone. The first time I used it was at a train show last weekend. It worked pretty good. Keep up the good work
I’m so pleased that you find my channel useful PB.
Hi Charlie. This is the PERFECT video to sit down and watch with my morning elevenses tea 🍵 (not forgetting some Hobnobs 👍). The electronics board you've put together is looking fantastic.
On my model railway, my electronics are situated in hand crafted wooden boxes - similar to block instruments in a signal box. GWR
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it CG, stay safe mate.
Perfect video Charlie, plan to use this kind of set up on my new layout, Thamls for showing the start. Plan to hunt down all the other videos of your journey.
Thanks, QuarryCentral. I’m so pleased you find the channel useful. Regards, Charlie.
Thanks Charlie, for long main busses I use stripped down (salvaged) house wiring, rated at 10 amps. As you would say "cheap and cheerful". Keep well.
Sounds just the job, David.
Brilliant! I am just staring out and realizing I have so much to learn,
Every day is a school day in this hobby Michael. Stay safe, regards, Charlie
Always interesting, great ideals, Fantastic layout. Thank you so much for sharing, from Colorado, USA
Thanks Dave and do stay safe mate.
Hi Charlie. Really enjoyed the vid. Very informative and for someone who has all their railway stuff stored in drawers it was also inspiring. Need to get the loft sorted!!
And sadly Will, you now have time.
Have to wait I'm afraid. Am in a quasi healthcare profession.
Cheers Charlie, keep knocking out the videos. Helps and inspires us all.
Thanks Paul, you’re too kind
As always Charlie great video.. Until next time, hope you and your family stay well. Cheers Charlie
You and your too Jim
Great video Charlie. Automation I don't think is my thing at the moment but enjoyed the video. Love the blooper, keep them in because we all make them and is very encouraging to see we can all make mistakes ( it did make me chuckle) Keep safe & wash your hands. Kevin
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Kevin, stay safe mate
Well done demonstration & cool RC Plug • Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate.
Love the wire organization. Also the advise on sizing for DC voltage drop is spot on. (Even if I know a number of US modelers who are spolit by being able to get 18 & 24ga TFFN as cast offs (or reasonably cheap at the US equivalents to B&Q).
One item you might want to look into investigating while shopping is a "creeper" of the sort used by mechanics. Getting underneath your board is easy enough now, but will be a little less so with a layout above. The creeper, while being a knee-saving device could also double as a rolling holder of plastic bins, too. That's 2¢, but I washed it carefully.
Thanks for your thoughts Capt.
Old age is rubbish!
yet another great video Charlie - thanks. One tip...don't put th epower strip under the shelf - you'll forever be knocking off the power switches with your box collection!
Good point Clive
Second thoughts, the plugs should stop the boxes making contact.
Chadwick Model Railway got me!!
Thanks Charlie . you keep safe yourself mate
You too Dave.
Good video for a bigginner to be aware of future wiring and set ups
Thanks DP, I’m so pleased that you found it useful.
Hiya Charlie, For PCB stand-off I have used plastic children’s bead art from Hobbycraft. Come in packets of 100 I think, all different colours. Nice hole through the centre and very uniformed in height .
What a great idea Mick.
Mick,
On your suggestion I went to our area Charity Thrift Store. I found a bag of 1500 beads. The church lady wanted to get rid of them. So as not to have to disinfect them from CoVid. Price tag: $19.85.
Thanks for the great idea and cost savings.
I'm CHEAP
~Jim
@@ChadwickModelRailway Yeah any small plastic cylinder like a Bio Pen shaft cut to 5-10mm is another good support for PCBs.
Plastic standoffs for PC motherboards are good too.
Hi Charlie. Great video and glad your sorted out that board 👍🏻
Me too Stevie
Thanks Chalie, tops like always. Thanks for explaining the wire size, good stuff. Stay safe, kind regards, Mark.
Thanks Mark, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate.
Thanks for the video Charlie. Although most of it appeared to be in Greek, it’s very heartening to see yourself and the layout ... very best wishes, Nigel x
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Nigel.
Great video, Charlie! You do a nice job of wiring. Keeping notes is essential. I also like to make notes directly on the benchwork so I know at a glance where a particular wire goes. Don't burn yourself out trying to make a video per week. I know of a couple of people who did just that. Till next time!
Thanks Flyboy, you’re so considerate.
Hi Charlie, great video, very interesting, love those on/off switches. Nice to see some trains moving again. Keep up the good work, and stay safe.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Stay safe and happy modelling.
I appreciate your videos, Charlie. Thanks!
Thanks mate.
Hi Charlie.....Des from Down Under.Thank you for a very informative video.....your naval background came through load and clear.... a place for everything and everything in its place.I use the Roco system myself which is a bit simpler than your Digi Trax.system,as you obviously digitise all your points and layout control wheras I just do the locos ,points are just electric control but protected by isinsulated sections.I do have block detection ,but at the moment not completed.Thank you once again for an interesting and informative video.Look forward to your next update.Regards and stay healthy......Regards Des.
What a great comment Des, stay safe mate.
Almost a year late, but just passing on some knowledge I only found out while setting my home music "studio" recently. Forgive me if everyone already knows this. I wanted to protect my rather expensive powered speakers against power surges and went looking for suitable extension block. I discovered they're not all born equal. Some come with a certificate that at they meet a certain standard (whose name escapes me). Crucially those come with about £30,000 worth of insurance in case they fail and blow up your gear! Peace of mind for a few extra quid. My 6 way block is by Belkin and cost under 30 quid on black Friday last year. Given the price of that DCC gear they might be worth considering.
Great channel btw Charlie.
An interesting comment Peter and something I have never really considered. Regards Charlie
Excellent video, Charlie. Thank you. Remember when DCC was promoted as only needing two wires to do everything? 🤔😆
Yes, such a simple system Perry.
Hi it’s dan here,
I have anxiety and you really help me with that. Also I’m autistic which you also help me for so I would like to say thank you
From dan
Ps. Love the vid
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Dan.
Chadwick Model Railway thank you
Have been using the remote sockets for a couple of years for our xmas lights!
So will I, great idea Loz.
Your production values are incredible. There's a couple of other high profile model railway channels that could take a leaf from your book!
That’s very kind of you to say so Tom.
I feel like having spaghetti for my dinner tonight. Can't think why...God Bless and well done Charlie, regards Terry.
Thanks Terry, stay safe mate.
Charley just to let you know just ordered a 5 set of connectors yesterday from Amazon UK notified of delivery by June 5th 🤪 good job no time pressure 😎😷 Take care keep up the good work
I’ve ordered another 2 packs too Neil.
@@ChadwickModelRailway when mine arrive i am going to start an electrical cabinet bit like yours thinking about having pull out draws as space is an issue.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thought you may be interested in this video I have made about creating rock work, not as slick as you but struggling with very basic software ua-cam.com/video/-buYBNginVo/v-deo.html
Thanks Charlie need as many as you can make even the boring ones are good at times like these ? Keep it up ! John from Chichester.
Thanks John, you’re too kind
Charlie,. Thank God I found The Dead Rail Society.
Never again will I get entangled in the maze of wire of traditional model railroads.
Dead Rail brings about so much more simplicity and easy in operation. Also NO More Gremlins to fool about and search down.
Now signilaing shall be Bluetoothed from my laptop.
Take care. God speed.
.. and good luck too James.
What's the Dead Rail society? edit ah ok found it! Aweseome...
Hi Charlie, Since I most often watch your videos in the morning, I'll have my cup of coffee and an English Muffin instead of tea and cookies ( LOL ) This is a very informative video Charlie, Thank You. I too have knelt at the alter of Digitrax since 1999 and have not looked back. Even though my current layout is very small (It fits on a Hollow Core Door) and I currently do not have a need for Block Detection and Power Management, it is very neat to see how all these components fit into the Digitrax system. Cheers, Rich S.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Rich, long live Digitrax.
Hi Charlie. I just want to add something regarding your comments about wire sizing. Quite rightly you mention the current carrying capacity of any wiring needs to match the current likely to flow through the wire. However, the max current alone is not the only consideration when sizing wire. All wires have an internal resistance (often unhelpfully quoted as Ohms/Kilometre in manufacturers' data sheets) that is proportional to the size of the wire; the resistance of the wire will cause a voltage drop over its length. So in layouts using long lengths of bus, where the power source supplying the bus may be some distance from where the power is being consumed, then the voltage drop over the bus's length can have a noticeable effect.
7/0.2 wire has a typical resistance of ~0.093 Ohm per metre
16/0.2 wire has a typical resistance of ~0.038 Ohm per metre
24/0.2 wire has a typical resistance of ~0.025 Ohm per metre
32/0.2 wire has a typical resistance of ~0.019 Ohm per metre
One might have, say, a 3A/12V bus used to supply DC accessories around the layout; in theory a 16/0.2 wire would be sufficient to carry the required current. However, if the furthest end of the bus was 25m away from the supply, then you wouldn't get 12V at that end, but barely 7V. Alternatively if one fitted 24/0.2 wire with its lower resistance, then one would get 9V, or 32/0.2 wire would give you over 10V.
Just something to consider.
What an excellent and useful comment .
Thanks for taking the trouble David.
Hey Charlie. Only just found your channel, but glad I have. I use n gauge dc at present, but am about to venture into dcc. I really enjoy your advice, although I wouldn’t say that I understand it all!! Thanks for doing this. Keep up the great work.
Thanks mate. It’s great to have you onboard.
Thanks for a great video ... nice to see it all coming along nicely.
Something to keep our minds busy during quarantine :)
Yes Sim, we need to focus on other things rather than the current situation.
Hi Charlie just watched your video very nice wiring I must say,as an electrician and having spent a lot of time making up control panels for packing machines there are certain products that we used that are essential,one being PVC slotted trunking which will keep your wiring tidy like nothing else and of course terminals and all the accessories a company by the name of Phoenix Contacts has a wide variety and they are an international company if you have time in your schedule maybe a google search to browse these products may be of some help they maybe over the top for your needs but the trunking is cheap and comes in various sizes.keep up the great video's
Thanks Trevor, I’ll certainly check out Phoenix Contracts.
Thanks for the advice. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, love your explanations, if you use DCC frog juicers on your points rather than switches, then when a train runs the wrong way down a point it does not short the power for the layout or district. Instead, sometimes it derails, shorting the power, but when shunting it is certainly a better idea.
Thanks Andrew, I’m not a Frog Juicer kind of guy. 😜
Hi Charlie, it's funny reading other peoples comments from Green tea to wife's whom think we're all mad, well "it kind of makes sense" doesn't it. Great to see it all coming together and planning is the most important part. As you said wiring rating size from the outset to future proof the layout. As mine is to eventually run a loop around the garden voltage drop is to be taken into consideration. Great video and as I can see a classic didn't go according to plan moment. Thanks Charlie take care. Gateth
Thanks Gareth, what a great comment.
Hi Charlie, yet another brilliant and informative video, I have been using those remote radio switches for the last 3 years, I started off with etekcity, but had a couple of failures,
so upgraded to Energenie sockets, wouldn’t be without them, although I have 10 in my train room.
Ten, blimey Mark. I need to get back to B&Q!
Seriously I don’t think you can have enough outlet sockets, when I installed the sockets I put in 20 double sockets. The shed is 20’ x12’ very well insulated, and very cosy. So I have sockets that are remote, for controllers, accessories, general lighting, and signals etc, then non remote for the likes of WiFi, damn Alexa lol, phone, rechargeable’s, all good fun isn’t it. Seem to spend more time “faffing” about with the logistics, than playing trains. Any way many thanks for your blog/vlog, keep up the excellent work, and yes, I am subscribed👍
And here's me thinking DCC was just two wires! 😁
When it comes to supply and connections you should remember, the female always has the power ( so the wife says).
One more thing, have you considered using a Frog juicer? They change the polarity of the frog faster than the command station can shut down. Result, no shorts on points.
Great video, keep'em coming! Keith
I like that, CSX, the female has the power! Frog juicers are not for me as Train Controller will do all the frog switching as routes are selected.
Good stuff again, how the hell do you keep coming up with these ideas that keep covering things 'we' haven't already covered ?... Top man, good stuff Charlie.
I need to get out more Jon
Thank you Charlie for another excellent Video, I’ve yet to build my Layout and too went for the Digitrax DCC System so any Information on it’s Installation by your Videos is really appreciated. I built my first small Layout as a Lad in the Fifties so this new control System is all very interesting.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Peter
Looks very neat Charlie! Great job! Cheers Onno.
Thanks Onno
Hi Charlie, I wont go as far as saying are a magician with how to wire up a layout but your are darn close. Even though I run a single line layout very similar to the ' Mouldy Raspberry ' with a number of sidings so my wiring is relatively simple, but never the less I enjoyed seeing you down on your knees doing a wonderful job of explaining how you go about wiring your layout which no doubt will be of great benefit to anyone about to build a multi line layout. Cheers Greg
Hi Greg, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it, stay safe mate.