yes, telephone connecting cable will work ... if you get it made i don't remember if the one end is flipped or not though ..
i used phone cable and ends to make a couple of longer outlet jacks for mine [about ten feet longer]

 

Don't know about MRC, but for Digitrax Loconet you can use pre-made cables but they had to have six conductors in them, not just four. Make sure the cable you get has enough conductors in it.

 

i took a quick look on the net , apparantly it doesn't matter if they are flipped or not, the mrc itself can accomodate cable with either orientation ...
if it matters, i have the tool to put the ends [rj45 on the cables

 

Not sure about telephone cables, but a better solution, rather than a longer cable, is to buy one or more extension plates and install them at various points around the layout. You just disconnect the handset, walk to a different location, and plug it in again. More expensive, but much less headache than dragging a long cable around the room with you.

 

true.. the above solution is more expensive, but probably better in the long run, less hassles

 

If you can't go wireless...CTvalleys suggest is right on.
The fascia jacks make it possible for you to use your short cable.
That long cable you want for your hand held will work
fine, but it's unsafe. You'll be tripping over it every operating session.

Don