Wiring Your Toy Train Layout

Great purchase, loads of information

I received this book in a box along with a few other items I ordered. The box arrived in a few days. When I opened it the paperback version cover was badly bent and looked in poor shape. I blame the person who packaged the book and failed to safely secure it from possible damage. In this case I kept the book but could have easily returned it. I am happy with the books contents.

Peter Riddle's Wiring for Your Toy Train Layout is an excellent source for the wiring novice and even those with a little layout working experience. The book touches all the principal track possibilities & gives examples of wiring for each. The book also touches upon the newer command control systems (by Lionel & MTH) but this discussion would not be reason to purchase this book.For me, a true beginner in building a permanent layout, I found it a little wanting in the particular track I chose- Ross Custom sectional track. For example I found it impractical to wire by soldering underneath the track, separating the rails distorted my track sections and soldering flat against the rail (as suggested by Mr Riddle) made it just as difficult when it came time to inserting it into the particular roadbed I'm using- Rossbed. But that's me, your mileage may vary as they say.However, in total, I would have to say that this book (along with Peter Riddle's Trackwork for Toy Trains) is a must for the neophyte embarking on his first journey in the world of 3 rail layouts.

Bought it never read it , but if I need back up I have , feels good

I would have liked more examples. Also for what is being charged for the book I would have expected better information and/or alternate source to go to for that information. (a list of sources would have been nice for reference)

Recently I decided to get some 0 gauge Lionel trains and make a layout out of Lionel's Fastrack. I hadn't wired a train layout in 40 years, so I knew I would need some help in refreshing my former wiring skills. This book answers all the question a beginner or even an intermediate layout designer might have. My Fastrtack layout is now complete and wired with its proper blocks and switches. Peter Riddle's book was easy to follow, the diagrams are well done and easy to comprehend. If you're new to the hobby of electric trains...this book will save you time and eliminate wiring mistakes that could damage your trains or transformers.Elliott

You can't go wrong following Riddle's instructions. If you are just starting with an O gauge, want to expand your layout, or add in accessories this is THE reference book. Especially valuable of you are branching out into the larger gauge from HO gauge. HO uses direct current while toy trains use alternating current, so wiring requirements sometimes don't translate across.The language is easy to understand, with little electrical or electronic jargon. The guide is terrific for troubleshooting problems.

This book provides the basics of everything you need to know about 3-rail train wiring. Especially helpful is the section on wiring blocks, hooking up and phasing multiple transformers, and wiring accessories.Note 1: This covers AC wiring. There are other books that cover 2-rail DC wiring (there are differences!)Note 2: For the toy train newbie. If the book cover contains the text "Classic Toy Trains" it's primary concern is 3-rail and O or S scale. If the text says "Model Railroader", it's primary concern is 2-rail HO and N scale. This is good to know so that you don't spend your money on books that are not applicable to your layout.