Hello: It is time to replace all the stiff, 70 year old wire. Every time I perform a maintenance task, it seems I end up with a broken wire. I would like to use super flex wire and follow Lionel's original color protocols where possible. Greenberg does not often call out colors on their wiring diagrams. Any suggestions/recommendations from those of you who have undertaken this task? Thanks, in advance.
UPBOILERMAKER
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I am not aware of superflex available in any color other than black. I would see super flex as a problem. It will not stay where you put it and it is going to get pinched when assemble the shell to the frame and it will be rubbing on drive shafts.
Lionel uses a green wire for the connection to the motor field. On one motor locos the brush holders are yellow. On two motor locos one brush wire is yellow and the other is blue. Center rail connections are usually black. Sometimes the coupler to accessory shoe wire is red.
locos are usually wire with either #22 or #24 wire. Older locos are wired with solid push back cloth covered wire. It is very easy to work with. Later locos are wired with stranded vinyl insulated wire.
Super flex also comes in red.
That said, if you want colored wire, while not superflex, I often buy flat cable wire made for RGB LEDs that comes in common colors- red, blue, green, black in a 4 wire flat configuration often 24 or 22 Gauge I use for wiring projects. Sometimes it's nice to keep it flat for wire management, other time I just separate the wires.
David and Vernon: Thank you for your kind suggestions. I had not thought of the "staying put" issue. Regards,
UPBOILERMAKER
www.ttender.com sells colored e-unit wire in bulk that works very well for rewiring postwar locos. You can also buy it by the foot under “Wire.” The cloth covered wire works well for prewar.
Thanks, Jon. I appreciate the referral!
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