I bought (4) manual 210 standard gauge switches that 3 of them need rewiring. The switches are complete, except they are missing the lead contacts in 3 of them. I have none in my parts boxes. What is the correct part number of these lead contacts? Its the little washer where the wire attaches to the bottom of the base of the screw bulb. Can I use postwar ones, like those found on the 671 turbines from 1947?? They look similar and use pretty much the same size bulb. But the switches have a bigger globe and more volts and what not. Also, what is the best way to clean the rails?? They are not rusty at all, just tarnished and spark alot when my loco goes over them. The loco tends to stop on them at low speed. I really have to zoom over the switches. Thanks.
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I would call jeff kane at the train tender as he would probally have the part and the answer to your question. 585-229-2050 or jeff@ttender.com
The lamp socket in the 671 is a “miniature screw” socket and will fit any lamp with a “miniature screw base”. This is the size used on virtually all prewar trains, and on postwar trains until the “miniature bayonet” displaced it. Lamps with this base may have various bulb shapes and sizes. Those with spherical bulbs are designated with the letter G, followed by the approximate diameter in eights of an inch. Common sizes are G-3 1/2 (7/16 inch diameter) used in the 671 and G-4 1/2 (9/16 inch), which is probably what you have. Lamps also have various voltage, current, and brightness ratings. Several possibilities for yours are
Lamp number Voltage Current
428 12.5 V 250 mA
430 14 V 250 mA
432 18 V 250 mA
You can perfectly well use the bottom washers from postwar sockets in the prewar sockets.
Okay, good. Because my standard switches have 432 bulbs in them. I will have to use my 671 bottom washers for the lamp sockets. I ordered 4 of them from my parts dealer. Should have them all by wednesday or thursday. I just cleaned the rails with some chrome automotive finish. It seems to shine up the rails pretty good. I have all 3 switches taken apart and cleaned up. Just have to solder on the new wire and then put it all back together. What kind of wire should I use to rewire these 210 switches?? Just some flexible wire, solid, stranded? Thanks.