Re-wiring a Post War Lionel Whistling Tender

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I’m always undecided whicht gauge wire to use from the pick up rollers to brushplate, 20 ga. stranded flexible restoration wire or the same in 22 ga., so I thought I’d get the definitive answer from the experts.

Experts, please weigh in.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

2

Either one is fine.

3

Bob,

Somehow I knew I could count on you. That’s what I figured but everytime I look at the two I opt for “bigger is better”. Does the same go for re-wiring a 3462 milk car?

Mike

4

The general rule is that the ampacity of the wire (the amount of current that the wire can safely carry) should be at least the current that the circuit is protected at. This is a very good rule to follow for branch circuits and for layout wiring. However, the rule can be relaxed, both for power wiring and for toy trains, when there is little chance of an overload, as inside a locomotive, tender, or operating car. It would be very impractical to wire these with AWG 14 just in case they were used with a Z or ZW transformer. I often use AWG 24 in such cases.

5

Bob,

Thanks

Mike