Author:
Publisher: Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.
Published: 1992
ISBN:
Pages: 55
Cost: $4.99
Using only Atlas products, this book completely describes how to wire up a model railroad. Because of its date, this edition of the book doesn't cover DCC because it really didn't exist then. If you are a beginner who is not interested in DCC, this is a great how-to book. Even if you are interested in DCC but don't know much about wiring a model railroad, this is a good book. For the price, it is well worth the purchase.
| Chapter | Page | Title / Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Introduction |
| Describes the purpose of the book. | ||
| 2 | 5 | Glossary |
| Basic terms and definitions related to electrical things. | ||
| 3 | 8 | Beginning with the Basics |
| Power pack, controlling train speed and direction, connecting two wires to the rails, wire size, AC vs. DC locomotives, soldering wire tips, locomotive pick via wheels, and insulated wheels. | ||
| 4 | 12 | The Atlas Electrical System |
| Describes various Atlas-only components such as the turnout control box, the on/off box (for controlling track power and power to accessories), DPDT switches and how to use them in reversing loops, turntables and two-locomotive operation, the selector switch for controlling power to various blocks, automatic control of reversing sections, and the snap relay. | ||
| 5 | 18 | Turnouts, Switches & Crossings |
| Discusses common rail and power feed, and then moves to the finer points of turnouts (defines their rail components), crossings, and how to wire them up with the various Atlas components. Also covers wiring up cross-overs. Concludes with a special section on all-rail turnouts. | ||
| 6 | 24 | Independent Control of Locomotives |
| Using multiple power packs to control the independent movement of more than one locomotive on your layout (the "block system"). It discusses in great detail where to place insulated rail joiners to create blocks for various track plans. | ||
| 7 | 35 | Reversing Loops, Sections & Wyes |
| Thoroughly covers reversing loops, which can baffle beginners. Includes "hidden" reverse loops, and wiring wyes, | ||
| 8 | 45 | Using the Snap-relay |
| Discusses the snap-relay for controlling turnouts, powering frogs and signals. Complete hook-up diagrams are provided. | ||
| 9 | 50 | Turntables, Control Panels & Accessories |
| Connecting power to turntables, operating the turntable, and wiring accessories such as building lights. The last section covers how to neatly organize your wires under the layout. |