Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Rewiring Locomotives
Brent from the UK sent in this tip:
I have a roll of magnet wire I use for rewiring locomotives and on rolling stock. This type of wire is normally used in the coils for twin solenoid switch machines and in motors. You will need to scrape away the enamel coating prior to using it. I find that small flexible wires are best on rolling stock.
Add your comments.
4 Responses to Rewiring Locomotives
Leave a Reply
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
Download Your Free Catalog
Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers
Model Train Help Ebook
That type of wire is not very good, except for wiring coils. I say that because it is delicate, and because it is solid and not stranded wire, it breaks too easy. If you have real tight spaces, to tight for any other wire, then so be it. I think too, that (depending on the wire gauge that it is), it may be to light for re-wiring locomotives. The best wire is stranded wire, with Teflon coatings, durable and flexible.
I agree with Jay, solid wire is not the best choice and if you scrape away the coating it will short. Stranded is really the best choice. It is easy to work with and does not break under stress or movement.
Magnet wire is designed for magnets.
You can remove the coating by burning it with a lighter.
I have to agree with Jay here. Don’t cut yourself short on the wire you use. But with the new lights available in LED’s there are some that even come with small fine wire but usually stranded. LED Lighting is best but don’t cut it short on the motor. Newman Atkinson