Rewiring a Lionel 42, what gauge to use?

Sam,

You're starting off right. Before you start, take more photos. You will find out that you can never have too many pictures. Be sure you have more close ups. Take down notes as you go. Double check the colors used on every bit of your cloth covered wire. Trace the routes of your wiring. Let's talk wire shall we? By now you should have an idea of what colors you need. For goodness sakes, Please do take the dreaded solid core short cut.

Contact Harry Henning #2 at Hennings Trains about your wiring needs. They carry every color of the multi-strand wire that you need. Also, buy yourself a few feet of "Super Flex"  for those special applications.

Sam, I could go on and on. I've tossed many ideas your way. When in doubt send an email to Harry #2. Plus you can ask more questions on the forum.

God Bless,

"Pappy"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Sam,

Lionel used #22 solid, rubber coated wire in their manufacture in 1920s.

I just measured the gauge of the original wires in a circa 1920 #38 and all the wires were AWG #22.

Ron M

Sam,

Seeing that you have the double motor version you should have two switches, one for reversing and the other for ac/dc operation. If you don't have the wiring down pat here's a site with the correct wiring.

http://www.tinplatetimes.com/T...2042%20Wiring/42.htm

Ron M

Thanks Ron and Pappy!

I did see the diagram on Tinplate times. I'm going to reach out to Jim and see if he has a bigger copy he could send over.

Or you can go on-line to the TCA's site for back issues of the Quarterly and the wiring diagram is provided in Vol 14-4 page 11.

Ron M

Ron M,

I also have access to material that indicates what types of wire Lionel used during their original production. You should also know that Lionel used solid core wire to maximize their bottom line.

That said, not everyone strives to create a museum quality rebuilt piece. Note that I did not say restoration. To create a museum quality restoration is not within the financial  reach of most.

My suggestion to Sam was to make a piece a little better than the original.

Ron, No doubt your knowledge of prewar Lionel products exceeds that of the everyday person. To use your knowledge to knowingly step on the toes of others does nothing but show bad manners. Up to now I would just offer a proper, "Thank you". No more my friend. IT IS BECAUSE OF A FEW PERSONS LIKE YOURSELF THIS WILL BE MY LAST POST. Time is too short to waste. To offer others advice just to be cut off at the knees does little more than show the bad manners of others in our society today.

God Bless,

"Pappy"