Clever container.

Clever container. Although electronics should be contained in a fire resistant container.

I am a little worried about the two uninsulated metal clips that are shorting together at the end of the red/black wires.

They would go to the track so

They would go to the track so when plugged in there will be no shorts

Electrical components in a flammable box, what could go wrong?

Electrical components in a flammable box, what could go wrong? Please for your own sake, use something better than this... Best practices are not always an option for model railroad wiring, but it should be strived for.

-An architect with electrical experience...

I guess i didnt think of that...

...i would have built it out of plastic but had none on hand. I did try to have all wires covered but in the future will find something better

Enclosures

Google RadioShack Project Enclosures.

Spirit of a Maker

Safety considerations aside, you've definitely captured the essence of the Maker spirit! And for what it's worth, some of us have been known to use cardboard and wooden cigar boxes to make electric guitars and amplifiers...

Mike in CO

Then think about it...

...most layouts are made of wood a very same material

Have you given any thought to

Have you given any thought to heat build up since there are no vents?

Vents!

Neat solution!  Some vents would be a good safety measure.  Plastic boxes are flammable too, I am just saying...

Lots of electronics used to come in wooden boxes.  I still have a Kenwood amplifier with a wooden case.

Beware of heat build up and keep on making!

Regards,

No air vents & power supply conections shorted???

1) With no air vents in  a power supply it most likely will get hot, possibly to the point where solder joints could melt, short out and cause a fire. That box would flash up quickly, sort of like wrapping paper.  If it does, stand back and watch the beautiful colours from the flames as the petroleum based ink catches fire and it all goes up in smoke.

  OR

Take the advice already given, above, and for a few bucks & a few holes drilled into the sides and top of a better  container & save the investment.  And, get a container about 25% bigger than you need for good airflow and don't forget the vent holes.

2)  (from 35 years of electronic service experience) I would not leave any connecters touching even if the power supply is turned off and unplugged. You may cause problems in the power supply.

Just my three paragraphs worth. The decision is up to you. 

G. T.

Kadee Box?

Kadee HO cars used to come in plastic boxes pretty similar to project boxes if you were inclined to stick with the theme.

No red flags here

All you have in that box is mostly cables and connecters. There's not much that generates heat. You will have noticed that the handle of the power cab gets a bit hot--- that's where the output transistors are. You can check by letting the system run for a while, then touching the components with your finger. You are in no danger with everything powered by a 12v wall wart. If there ever is a short, a fuse in the wall wart will blow and shut it all down.

A couple of vent holes wouldn't hurt, but the main reason to look for something more durable is it would be well, more durable.

pqe

I may have one of the kadee..

..plastic boxes that can go to the cause.

Nevermind, dont have one.

Nevermind, dont have one.

Electronics boxes

When I taught electronics for musicians, I encouraged my students to find alternative enclosures for their mixer projects. Lunch boxes were popular, as well as cookie tins, but I saw just about anything you can attach a control to, including a plastic flower pot. The oddest thing I have on my own shelf now is in a mixed nuts can.

Most commercial enclosures are overpriced.

pqe