Large Scale Central

Trail Car to Loco (Batt/RC) Connection

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

I’m wanting to outfit a few trail-cars this Winter. I’m thinking of using something like this to mate the trail car (Battery/Sound/RC) to a loco (Thomas, LilBig Hauler, etc…)

Mating pair of polarized multi-pin connectors with wire leads. Pins on 2.5mm centers. Black nylon housing with release on male side of connector. Female side of connector can be snap-mounted into a rectangular chassis mounting hole. 12" color-coded leads, 22 AWG stranded wire on both connectors.

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/con-240/2-conductor-locking-connectors-w/leads/1.html

anyone else ever used this or something like it?

Thanks-Cale

#2

Cale:

I use the Battery Connector Pair from G-Scale Graphics. I like this type since it does not have a locking connection, that could be not the greatest thing should a serious derailement occur. Even without the lock the connection is still very “tight” and I’ve never had it inadvertently disconnect during running.

URL in case the above dosen’t work - https://www.gscalegraphics.net/store/p20/Battery_Connector_Pair.html

#3

The type you show in your post Cale is the same as that used with post 2005 Aristo locos (except Centre Cab I beleive). The only word of caution that I have often seen made is to be sure to observe polarities when dealing with Aristo locos. I guess this caution could apply anyway to any installion. I use these connectors with my Aristo locos and batteries (NiMH) in trailing cars.

#4

Like Alan, those are the connectors I too use for all types of inter-car, or car-engine connections. They can be purchased at All-Electronics very reasonably also. I agree also that I don’t like locking connectors between cars etc. So, in those conditions, I just cut off the locking tab with a pair of wire cutters.

Ed Headington

#5

I use those all the time in my battery rc installs. Just be cautious because the black and red wires are not always the same from set to set.

Terry

#6

I still use the older type LGB banana plugs, male and female. If I connect them with the polarity the wrong way, I simple swop the two plugs. They are simple to insert and pull out. They’re not too noticable. The female portion is mounted to the rear end of any loco that does not already have and LGB lighting socket (older type). I remove the red or black plastic cover from both the male and female parts, thus making them smaller in appearance. The female socket needs a 9/64" hole to fit into and some hot glue keeps it in position nicely.

#7

I’m another who uses that exact connector and agree with the comments on polarity and color code. For some MU situations with two Aristo locos the polarity needs to be reversed in the MU jumper, but not always. I keep both straight through and cross polarity MU jumpers handy for just that reason.

#8

Thanks fellas! The red ones may work better for the kids and I…looks like I need to place an order!

#9

Mark Hadler said:
Cale:

I use the Battery Connector Pair from G-Scale Graphics. I like this type since it does not have a locking connection, that could be not the greatest thing should a serious derailement occur. Even without the lock the connection is still very “tight” and I’ve never had it inadvertently disconnect during running.

URL in case the above dosen’t work - https://www.gscalegraphics.net/store/p20/Battery_Connector_Pair.html

Cale ,
I too second the Battery Connectors from G-Scale Graphics. An excellent product at a very reasonable price. They do disconnect in the event of disaster. Don’t ask me how I know…something about forgetting to align a turnout correctly.

They also paint up nicely and can be covered with black tape which makes it look like a line between cars.

Doc Tom