Electronics and Wiring for Model Railways

In railway modelling, getting the technical components correct is essential for a realistic-looking layout but, unfortunately, these often present the biggest challenges for the hobbyist. Using his own experience as a railway modeller and electronics engineer, Andrew Duckworth provides a guide suitable for all railway modellers, from beginners to the more experienced. With instructions on how and where to use specialist electronic circuits to enhance your layout, this book will help you to achieve a reasonably sophisticated layout. It provides: an overview of the geometry required for building successful model railways; clear explanations of electronics and electrical components; comparisons of direct control and digital command control (DCC); step-by-step instructions for wiring the track, signals, buildings and lighting; reviews of electrical systems, power supplies, wires and cable, control panels and switches and finally, it covers detection, testing and troubleshooting tips.

Growing up in Africa, Andrew Duckworth received his very first train set (a Hornby) for his twelfth birthday. A gift from his Grandmother in the UK, it had taken months in the post to reach him but sparked a life-long interest in model railways, railway signalling and electronics. Returning to the UK, his first job was working as a draughtsman in Plymouth for a company that manufactured signalling and detection equipment for British Rail. He has always had a model railway layout of one sort or another and he now designs and manufacturers components for the hobby.