Suitcase Connectors and Why I Love Them

Mike Minton — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:12:11 +0000

I typically use something like a 14 AWG wire to carry the electrical current from the Digital Command Control (DCC) system throughout the train layout. The DCC systems frequently output 2-5 amps of 18 volt or so AC and the heavy wire is necessary to prevent the power from dropping after a few feet as it is distributed through feeders to the track. The feeders are typically 20 gauge wire. In my younger years this frequently resulted in me crawling underneath the layout with a powerful soldering iron, some solder, and a prayer that I wouldn’t drop the hot, melted solder somewhere it would hurt as I tried to solder upside down. It usually resulted in something like this:

I had heard of some mythical entity called a “suitcase connector” over the years but to find one would require dealing with a specialty electronics dealer, digging through an obscure catalog, and placing an order of 12 pallets of 100 gross each that would be delivered by LTL freight. So I continued soldering, cursing, and praying. As I began my latest iteration, I was browsing through my micro-mark catalog looking for some other supplies when lo and behold there they were. I quickly added two packages of 50 to my order.

The beauty in this magical thingamabobs is that they connect my 20 gauge feeder wires to the 14 gauge bus wire with a simple clench of the pliers. The result is a very neat, very simple connection that doesn’t require second degree burns to create.

Building Model Trains » solder

Suitcase Connectors and Why I Love Them