Haven't posted much on the Forum lately because I've been busy with work, recovering from a bad cold, and working a lot on the layout.
I believe working on the layout is helping me recover from my illness. I noticed that I coughed a lot less when totally focused on installing new Heavy Duty Atlas Connectors for my 8 independently powered sidings. This was totally engrossing because the wiring for my conventional layout is a mess to begin with. LOL.
The good news is that it's less of a mess now, but still a mess, although everything is running fine. LOL
I had a problem with the new Atlas Connectors. When I used my 20 gauge bell wire, the little screws that go into the sockets wouldn't catch. I then used 20 Gauge Stranded wire, and most, but not all, of the screws would catch.
The screws also did not catch when using the small metal tabs that go between the Atlas Connectors so that several of the Connectors could be powered from 1 power source. I believe this problem with the screws not catching was caused by a defect in the sockets.
For many years I have used Atlas Connectors designed for HO trains for my sidings and accessories. I never had this problem with them.
I decided to solder some of the wires to the new Connectors. I got a lot of practice soldering (something I've tried to avoid), my soldering skills and confidence doing it is better, and everything seems securely fastened, so the problem with the screws not catching turned out to be a good thing.
Here's a picture of my Atlas Connectors, the new heavy duty ones for the sidings are on top, and the old ones on the bottom are for the accessories; the controls on the left side are for the O22 switch tracks:
Arnold
