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Post by trainman9 on Dec 18, 2023 17:43:05 GMT
I decided to use Mianne Benchwork for my layout and it has worked out very well. In addition to the modular benchwork they offer a transformer shelf and a transformer cart. I decided to go with the transformer cart since it could be stored underneath the layout and not take up any additional space. I also used a cinch plug, known as a Jones Plug, to make the final electrical connections to my Lionel ZW-L transformer. Doing this has made it easy if I need to move the layout. Both the layout and the cart are on casters. Recently, I added an additional “I” beam allowing me to add an additional shelf. I’ve attached two photos showing the cart and the electrical connection.   |
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Post by curtis on Dec 18, 2023 18:29:31 GMT
I have three of these carts. Gave one to my grandson as a gift last year. The two I have I love. With that being said the two things I did not like you have overcome. A shelf and a wired plug connection. The shelf I now know I can order an extra beam for and then as you have done, add a piece of plywood to make a shelf. The connection is still my big problem. Please take a picture of the connector you used and supply some information on it as to where I may get it. I have looked at some connectors but have not been impressed.
Thank You
Curtis
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Post by Adam on Dec 18, 2023 18:34:32 GMT
Looks like very good workmanship.
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Post by thebigcrabcake on Dec 18, 2023 22:38:13 GMT
Wow! That's really nice. I've always wanted one of their lift-bridge sections. They do such a good job.
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Post by dennym57 on Dec 19, 2023 0:54:07 GMT
Very nice! Mianne is excellent for benchwork.
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Post by david1 on Dec 19, 2023 2:23:14 GMT
I have had Mianne bench work when I had to move to a senior apt and it works great, I had mine built to the highest that they make which is 48" it is sturdy and great to work with. I made mine 48" beings I'm old and 6'3" well maybe 6'1 or 2" now a days but as you get older shrinkage does creep in.
I also used 2" ridget foam for the top.
Dave
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Post by trainman9 on Dec 19, 2023 16:33:00 GMT
I have three of these carts. Gave one to my grandson as a gift last year. The two I have I love. With that being said the two things I did not like you have overcome. A shelf and a wired plug connection. The shelf I now know I can order an extra beam for and then as you have done, add a piece of plywood to make a shelf. The connection is still my big problem. Please take a picture of the connector you used and supply some information on it as to where I may get it. I have looked at some connectors but have not been impressed. Thank You Curtis OK, here are a couple of photos of the connector. For the shelf I used 1/4 sanded plywood which is very stable and flat. I got it at the Home Depot for another project and they cut it down for me. The leftover piece fit the cart perfectly. You can get the connectors from Newark Electronics as well as other suppliers. They come in different sizes the ones’s I used were six position. There is a pin that you use after you have soldered the wires to the connector if you want to permanently make the connection. I hose not to so I could disconnect the wiring if I ever needed to move the cart. I’ll post photos in another response.
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Post by trainman9 on Dec 19, 2023 16:35:39 GMT
I have three of these carts. Gave one to my grandson as a gift last year. The two I have I love. With that being said the two things I did not like you have overcome. A shelf and a wired plug connection. The shelf I now know I can order an extra beam for and then as you have done, add a piece of plywood to make a shelf. The connection is still my big problem. Please take a picture of the connector you used and supply some information on it as to where I may get it. I have looked at some connectors but have not been impressed. Thank You Curtis OK, here are a couple of photos of the connector. For the shelf I used 1/4 sanded plywood which is very stable and flat. I got it at the Home Depot for another project and they cut it down for me. The leftover piece fit the cart perfectly. You can get the connectors from Newark Electronics as well as other suppliers. They come in different sizes the ones’s I used were six position. There is a pin that you use after you have soldered the wires to the connector if you want to permanently make the connection. I chose not to so I could disconnect the wiring if I ever needed to move the cart.  Attachments:
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Post by curtis on Dec 20, 2023 0:36:02 GMT
Wanna a headache? Go to a page for electronics and try to find a simply wire plug for 6 wires (Remember you are looking for a plug and receptacle. You type connector or what ever, I promise if you are like me, you 1000's of results that are not what you are looking for. Got to be in the terminology that I DO NOT HAVE!)
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Post by trainman9 on Dec 20, 2023 1:21:10 GMT
The Connectors in the photo attachment are called
" Jones Plug "
Been arounf since the 1940's that i remember.
Correct, they are as I mentioned in my original post “JONES PLUGS”. Now for some additional information. I’ll take some time to provide instructions on how to use them and what types you may need to purchase. It’s not hard, in fact very easy. I’ll check my invoices from Newark and provide the section on their website where you can find them.
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Post by trainman9 on Dec 20, 2023 16:13:09 GMT
Wanna a headache? Go to a page for electronics and try to find a simply wire plug for 6 wires (Remember you are looking for a plug and receptacle. You type connector or what ever, I promise if you are like me, you 1000's of results that are not what you are looking for. Got to be in the terminology that I DO NOT HAVE!) Here is some additional information that might make it easier to get the part. Only thing I noticed is I don’t remember them being so expensive. Anyway: Newark Electronics Cinch Connectivity Solutions Rectangular Power Connectors and Components 6 Pin Part # 11M5839 12 Pin Part #39F286
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Post by trainman9 on Dec 20, 2023 16:14:32 GMT
Another Source:
DigiKey
Blade Type Power Assemblies
6 Pin Part # P-306H-CCT
Hope this helps
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Post by atsda on Dec 22, 2023 1:58:39 GMT
trainman9, nice work. How high is the layout? A blast from the past - I had not heard anyone mention Newark Electronics in decades. As a kid, I would pour over the paper catalog to find interesting stuff for my electronics projects. Alfred
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Post by trainman9 on Dec 22, 2023 13:37:06 GMT
My layout is 5x10 and 38” high overall.
If you decided to use one of the Cinch connectors it’s very simple to install them. You just need to remove the interior parts from the exterior shell and then put your wire through the metal collar prior to soldering the wire to the internal blades of the connectors. Once you have completed soldering the wires you simply reassemble the parts and if you want to permanently connect the sections push the pin in.
After some consideration I think most people could get away with four pin connectors if you use one of the junction devices for connections to track and accessories. MTH sells them in a 12 and 24 position circuit board. I used the 12 position ones and you only need two to four connections to your transformer.
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Post by ron045 on Dec 22, 2023 14:30:18 GMT
trainman9 I really like that cart. I need to redesign my transformer area. That is a great idea. Thanks for sharing. Ron
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