Pick Up Wires

[Jumijo]

I want to try re-wiring a few of my post war tenders. What type and gauge of wire would be suggested? Does it have to be specialty flex wire, or will ordinary braided work ok?

Jim 

[lionelsoni]

I just use ordinary stranded wire; but I try to leave as much of a loop below the floor as I can get away with, to minimize the flexing.

[Jumijo]

Can you recommend a gauge, Bob?

Jim 

[Back2Trains]

Most parts dealers have a superflex wire that is excellent for the purpose and looks like the original. I use 20 gauge for tenders and 22 gauge for just about everything else.

[lionelsoni]

20 AWG for 5 amperes (just about any locomotive)

22 AWG for 3.5 amperes (small locomotive)

24 AWG for 2.5 amperes (anything else)

[Jumijo]

Thanks, all.