Best Model Train Electric Cables of 2025

Edward West Avatar
Edward West
Last Updated: 10 Feb 2025

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If you're a model train enthusiast, you know that creating a realistic and functional layout requires attention to detail, including getting the wiring just right. That's where these model train electric cables come in handy. Designed specifically for use with model trains, these cables are high-quality and reliable, providing a stable and safe way to power your trains and accessories. Whether you're building a simple oval track or a complex layout with multiple levels and features, these electric cables can help you achieve the level of realism and functionality you're looking for.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hornby R8201 Track Link Wire Pack Cover #TOP 1
Hornby R8201 Track Link Wire Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Gaugemaster 10m Red/Green/Black Point Motor Wire Cover #TOP 2
Gaugemaster 10m Red/Green/Black Point Motor Wire
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hornby HM7070 Power Bank for Model Trains Cover #TOP 3
Hornby HM7070 Power Bank for Model Trains
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Model Train Electric Cables

#TOP 1

Hornby R8201 Track Link Wire Pack

R8201
Black
2.2 inches
Hornby R8201 Track Link Wire Pack Cover
Hornby R8201 Track Link Wire Pack - Spare Parts and Train Accessories for Hornby OO Gauge Model Railway Sets, Coupling and Modelling Tools - Track Link Wiring, Scale 1:76, Black

The Hornby Track Link Wire is an essential accessory for your OO gauge model railway set. Being DCC compatible means you can easily integrate it into your digital control system, allowing for seamless operation. This product serves as a vital power and control accessory, ensuring your trains run smoothly. As an authentic Hornby product, you can trust in its quality and compatibility with your existing Hornby models. This makes it a convenient choice for enhancing your railway experience.

What We Like
DCC compatible
Power and control accessory
Authentic Hornby product
Essential for OO gauge sets
#TOP 2

Gaugemaster 10m Red/Green/Black Point Motor Wire

GM-GMC-PM51
red/green/black
10 meter
Gaugemaster 10m Red/Green/Black Point Motor Wire Cover
Gaugemaster GM-GMC-PM51 10 m Red/Green/Black Point Tripled Motor Wire

The Gaugemaster Point Motor Wire is an excellent choice for model railway enthusiasts. It is specifically designed for use with point motors, making it easy for you to connect and control your railway points. With a diameter of just 0.15 mm, the wires are thin yet durable, allowing for neat and tidy installations. Additionally, this product is designed for easy usage and storage, helping you keep your workspace organised while ensuring you have everything you need at hand.

What We Like
Ideal for model railways
Easy to use and store
Durable 0.15 mm diameter
Neat installations
#TOP 3

Hornby HM7070 Power Bank for Model Trains

R7377
Black
Hornby HM7070 Power Bank for Model Trains Cover
Hornby R7377 HM7070 - Power Bank - Hornby Accessories for 00 Gauge Track & Train Sets - Compatible with Select Hornby Model Trains

The Hornby HM7070 Power Bank is designed to enhance your model train experience. It ensures that your locomotives keep running smoothly, even over potential dead spots on the track. This feature is particularly useful for preventing interruptions during your operations. You can also enjoy the freedom to design your layout without limitations, as it is compatible with 00 gauge train sets. Additionally, the HM7070 connects easily to the current range of HM7000 DCC Bluetooth decoders, requiring no complicated wiring. This makes setup and use incredibly straightforward for you.

What We Like
Prevents interruptions on the track
Compatible with 00 gauge sets
No wiring required
Easy to set up
#TOP 4

Hornby R7324 Power Supply Adapter for 00 Gauge

R7324
Black
15x1 cm
Hornby R7324 Power Supply Adapter for 00 Gauge Cover
Hornby R7324 HM7020: 15V Power Supply Adapter - Hornby Accessories for 00 Gauge Track & Train Sets - Compatible with 00 Scale R8241 & Hornby TT:120 TT8029 Digital Power Tracks

The Hornby R7324 Adapter allows you to connect a Hornby Power Supply Unit directly to the Hornby power track for HM7000 fitted locomotives. This is the recommended method for supplying power to your track, ensuring optimal performance of your trains. It is compatible with the 00 scale R8241 and Hornby TT:120 TT8029 digital power tracks, providing flexibility in your railway setup. Additionally, it works with several Hornby UK Power Supply units, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs.

What We Like
Easy connection to power track
Compatibility with multiple power units
Recommended for HM7000 locomotives
Suitable for 00 scale tracks
#TOP 5

Hornby R7326 HM7040 Bluetooth Dongle for DCC

R7326
White
One Size
Hornby R7326 HM7040 Bluetooth Dongle for DCC Cover
Hornby R7326 HM7040: Bluetooth Legacy Dongle Accessories - Power & Control for Model Railway Sets - Connect HM|DCC App to Older DCC Controllers, Hornby Accessories

The Hornby Bluetooth Legacy Dongle enhances your model railway experience by allowing the HM DCC app to control older Hornby DCC Controllers. This means you can add Bluetooth functionality to your existing setup, enabling you to manage your model trains from your smartphone or tablet. The dongle is compatible with all Hornby DCC decoders, including Elite, Select, and Railmaster. Additionally, it connects via the XpressNet socket, making it a versatile addition to your model railway toolkit.

What We Like
Easy smartphone control
Compatible with older DCC Controllers
Works with all Hornby DCC decoders
Enhances model railway experience
#TOP 6

Faller 161670 Special Wire for Car System

161670
Multicoloured
Large
Faller 161670 Special Wire for Car System Cover
Faller 161670 - Special Wire 10 m

The Faller 161670 Special Wire is designed for use in model train electric systems, particularly in car systems. With a length of 10 metres, this wire provides ample coverage for your layout, allowing you to connect components efficiently. The package contains one unit, making it easy to manage your materials. Additionally, assembly is required, giving you the chance to customise your setup according to your preferences, ensuring a tailored experience for your model train projects.

What We Like
High-quality electric cable
10 metres long
Designed for car systems
Customisable assembly
#TOP 7

EMSea 50cm LED Light Cable for Lego 8870

EN|144
Black / Grey
Medium
EMSea 50cm LED Light Cable for Lego 8870 Cover
EMSea LED Light Link Line Cable Technic Power Function Compatible with Lego 8870 Train Vehicle Bricks Building Blocks Toy 50cm

The EMSea LED Light Cable is designed to enhance your Lego 8870 train vehicle models. With a 50 cm length, it allows you to connect power functions models effortlessly, enabling you to build larger and more complex designs. This extension cable is made from high-quality materials, ensuring stable performance and a long service life. You'll appreciate the convenience of expanding your model's functionality with this reliable cable, bringing your Lego creations to life in a new way.

What We Like
Compatible with Lego 8870
50 cm length for flexibility
High-quality, durable materials
Enhances model functionality
#TOP 8

PC Supplies Hornby 3 Metre DCC Connecting Lead

hornbyr82663m
PC Supplies Hornby 3 Metre DCC Connecting Lead Cover
PC Supplies Limited Hornby Compatible R8266 3 Metre - Connecting Lead for Select and Elite 00 Gauge RJ12 4-Wire Lead Digital (DCC) Power And Control

The Hornby DCC Connecting Lead is an essential component for your model train setup. This 3-metre lead ensures high-quality connectivity with its twist pair round cable, allowing for efficient power and control within your Hornby DCC layouts. Being made in the UK, you can expect reliability and durability. Its compatibility with OO gauge models makes it a versatile choice for enhancing your railway experience, providing you with the convenience of extended reach and seamless operation.

What We Like
High quality construction
3-metre length for flexibility
Compatible with Hornby DCC layouts
Made in the UK
Ideal for OO gauge models
#TOP 9

Gaugemaster GM09RB Red/Black Twinned Wire 10m

GM-GM09RB
Red,Black
Gaugemaster GM09RB Red/Black Twinned Wire 10m Cover
Gaugemaster GM09RB Red/Black Twinned Wire (14 x 0.15mm) 10m

The Gaugemaster Twinned Wire is designed specifically for model train enthusiasts. With its 14 x 0.15mm gauge, this wire provides excellent conductivity, ensuring your models operate smoothly. Measuring 10 metres long, it offers ample length for various layout configurations, making it convenient for your projects. Importantly, this item is not a toy, highlighting its serious application in modelling. This wire is perfect for connecting electrical components, enhancing your model train experience with reliable performance.

What We Like
High-quality conductivity
Ample 10m length
Designed for serious modelling
Convenient for various layouts
#TOP 10

Gaugemaster 4 Colour Wire Pack

WIRE4
Gaugemaster 4 Colour Wire Pack Cover
Gaugemaster Wire, Pack of 4 colours Black, White, Green and Red

The Gaugemaster Wire Pack includes four rolls of wire in black, white, green, and red, each measuring 10 metres in length. The 7 strand design with a thickness of 0.2mm provides excellent flexibility, making it ideal for your model train projects. With these vibrant colours, you can easily distinguish between different connections, enhancing organisation and efficiency. This pack is perfect for both beginners and seasoned hobbyists, allowing you to create clean and reliable wiring for your model setups.

What We Like
Four vibrant colour options
Flexible 7 strand design
10 metres of wire per roll
Ideal for model trains
Enhances organisation and efficiency
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What gauge wire is used for model trains?

If you have a small layout, you can choose a wire gauge with a 1.29mm diameter. This will be the optimal size for the model train layout. On the other hand, you can choose a wire gauge with 1.62mm, if the layout is medium size. However, if the layout has a long track run, you can use a 2.5mm wire gauge.

2. What is the best wire for model railway?

Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem.

3. Can you use speaker wire for model trains?

For most railroad applications you do not need the fidelity of speaker wire. The cheapest source of wire is to buy CAT-5 cable and strip it down to its individual pairs or even conductors.

Editor's Notes

During our model train electric cable research, we found 61 model train electric cable products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,630 customer reviews through our big data system to write the model train electric cables list. We found that most customers choose model train electric cables with an average price of £10.87.

The model train electric cables are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of model train electric cables, including Hornby, Gaugemaster, Faller, EMSea, PC Supplies Limited.

Written by
Edward West Avatar

Edward's family owns a retail store in Edinburgh for toys and games. He grew up taking a very active part in the family's business. Edward earned his first income from writing web content on a toy related gig for an online company. When he was 18, he took over from his father, and since then, he has been in charge and management of the store and several others around England.