Wires for e-unit to smoke unit

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Hi,
I am pretty new to repair for postwar engines, but have been doing a lot of reading and have some inexpensive engines that need repair to practice on.
My question is: I need to replace the wires going from the e-unit to the smoke unit and front light on a 2026, but nowhere can I find what type of wire to use for this job.
One wire seems to be a bit thinner than the other.
Also, while I’m asking about wire, if I needed to replace any other wires in the engine, would it be the same type?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Bob

2

Hi Bob,

I don’t believe there is a guide to what size wire to use for an application. In my repairs I select a wire approximately the same size or a little larger. More important is to make sure the wire selected has enough flexibility for the application. Wires to a power truck that will move continuosly need to be flexible and not restrain the truck. Your wire from the E-Unit to the smoke unit can be relatively rigid since the two points are stationary. If your lamp connection is attached to the boiler, you may also want a longer more flexible wire.

Regards,

Tim Pignatari

3

Hi,
I am pretty new to repair for postwar engines, but have been doing a lot of reading and have some inexpensive engines that need repair to practice on.
My question is: I need to replace the wires going from the e-unit to the smoke unit and front light on a 2026, but nowhere can I find what type of wire to use for this job.
One wire seems to be a bit thinner than the other.
Also, while I’m asking about wire, if I needed to replace any other wires in the engine, would it be the same type?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Bob

4

Hi Bob,

I don’t believe there is a guide to what size wire to use for an application. In my repairs I select a wire approximately the same size or a little larger. More important is to make sure the wire selected has enough flexibility for the application. Wires to a power truck that will move continuosly need to be flexible and not restrain the truck. Your wire from the E-Unit to the smoke unit can be relatively rigid since the two points are stationary. If your lamp connection is attached to the boiler, you may also want a longer more flexible wire.

Regards,

Tim Pignatari