Reply to "Connecting 12 gauge stranded wire to fastrack .. How do you do it ?"

Wire Ampacities- "amp carrying capacity":

Ampacity is the maximum current that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating. Current is measured in amperes or “amps”. (Cerro Wire)

AWG gauge               Resistance

                            Ohms per 1000 ft.        Maximum amps for 
                                                                  power transmission*
12                              1.588                                9.3
14                              2.525                                5.9
16                              4.016                                3.7
18                              6.385                                2.3
20                            10.15                                  1.5
22                            16.14                                  0.92
24                             25.67                                 0.577

*This is the maximum rating for 90 degree C insulation, anything higher would get LONG term embrittlement of the vinyl-  loss of ductility of the vinyl insulation material, making it brittle,  so instead of forever, maybe just many years.  So- it would appear that anything we would need for trains would be fine using 16 AWG wire.