You all were so helpful first time, perhaps you can be again. I’ve noticed that some 302s and 303s come with a standard four(/five) pin connector between engine and tender, and others come directly wired without the connector. The direct wired examples I’ve seen appear to be original wiring and not some kind of repair. Does anyone know if Gilber/AF changed their technique on these (and perhaps other) engines as time moved along, and if so, what year they might have begun to make the change from pin connector to direct wire? Thanks much to all. Raphael
It is my understanding that direct wired engines were produced later than the panel and plug versions. Not sure on an exact year, probably mid 50s. I’m guessing this was a cost reduction measure by AC Gilbert.
PereMarquette1225 is correct. In around 1956 the direct wire set-up became the norm from what I can see. A transition was a plug in with a direct wire fifth wire that kept the head lamp lit while cycling through the e unit.
Jim