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Simple answer to feeder lines

Started by bingothehutt, January 05, 2026, 02:45:55 PM

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bingothehutt

Hello everyone. I'm new here, so if I'm missing something, I'm sorry.

I have an odd problem I need some advice on. I want to set up a simple but fairly large rough oval on the floor for my kids to run a train. I have a basic 2x3 oval now, but want to enlarge it, adding some extra curves, etc. I read I need a power feeder line about every 3-4 feet to power all of the track. I've also read where you can use the basic Bachmann power cable for the EZ Track terminal rerailers. What I would like to do is to connect to power as usual, and connect a feeder wire out the other side of the terminal rerailer to power another terminal rerailer further down the line. I may have to do this a couple of times, but for now, I just want a single feeder power line. My question has two parts:  1) is there a ready-made cable that will do this, (ideally, a female to female terminal rerailer power cable, and if not, 2) if I have to "make my own", how can I tell which terminal tab on the rerailer corresponds to which rail, (to make sure they have the same polarity).

If all this is unnecessary, just let me know. But I'm assuming for the size track I'm talking about, I'll ultimately need to resupply some power to the other side.

Thanks in advance. Again, if this has already been addressed, I'm sorry. I've found a couple of other threads that let me know it's possible... I just don't know how to make it work, and ensure it doesn't cause shorts and such.

trainman203

You buy two of the cables and cut the prong section off of each and connect them so you have a long cable with two female ends.

You find out if you have it inserted into the other rerailer incorrectly if it shorts out. If it shorts out, pull the plug out, flip it over and reinsert it and everything oughta work.  When you have it working correctly, put a little dot of paint or something on each piece where they line up, so you know where to put it in the future if you have to unplug it.

Ralph S


Quote1) is there a ready-made cable that will do this, (ideally, a female-to-female terminal rerailer power cable...
You bring up a good question.  Mr. Trainman provided a great answer.  Here's the but.  Bachmann has a connector (2 wire) for what you are inquiring about.  Unfortunately, what I have found is that Bachmann only sells them in their Automatic Reverse Loop Module (model 44912).  I wasn't able to locate that cable in their parts list.  Maybe you might succeed by contacting their service dept and ask for the cable that comes with the 44912-reverse loop.  Just note that Mr. Trainman probably provided the least expensive fix to your question.

Hope this helps.