Wire

[TRAINCAT]

Charlie Schmitt in Maryland stocks the perfect lionel type 3, 4, 5 wire etc replacment wiring along with extensive lionel post war repair parts.

410-974-4736

 

Roger

[azflyer]

While were on the subject of “wire” does any one know where I can get coiled wire?  The kind you can use on a Lionel ZW transformer. I have a pull out shelf built in to my cabinet-top train layout where my control system and transformer sit. This way, I can push it back in to the cabinet and out of the way, and close the doors when not in use. I would need eight in all for each transformer terminal. I run the eight terminal to my dual-row barrier strips I use for running all other color code wires.

Just a note: I buy most of my wire a Radio Shack in town. They also have the four color wire for switches in 25’ foot spools.

[wyomingscout]

I use 4 strand trailer wire from autoparts stores or Walmart.  It is color coded and heavier gauge, but, as I've learned from lionelsoni, that's better than going too small.   I have used this to wire the Lionel uncouple/unload switch and 6019 uncouple/unload track.  Heavier is especially better on some of my longer runs.

wyomingscout

[traindood]

 hello: just an addendum; i use 12 ga .stranded  wire for all bus lines with 20 amp lighted control switches backed up by 20 amp circuit breakers. might be overkill but you haven't had one of your trolley's melt due to power leakage and i hope you never will.  you can get 20amp lighted control switches from Leviton electric . easy to find on the web. looks just like a wall switch; light on top switch on the bottom. later.

[lionelsoni]

Wherever you get your wire, be sure that it can safely handle all the current that your transformer can put out, not just what your trains draw when running normally.  This means 10 AWG for 30 amperes, 12 AWG for 20 amperes, 14 AWG for 15 amperes, 16 AWG for 10 amperes, 18 AWG for 7 amperes, 20 AWG for 5 amperes.

[traindood]

hello: since you live in nj like me, this is where i go. any large electrical supply house has everything you need. i use Aruora electric in Sparta or Ironbound electric in Dover.i use cat 4, 6 or 8 wire depending on my need. i use 18ga for all accessories then adjust power with my two modern zw's hope this helps. later.     

[Monsieur]

Hello

NAPA stores carry a large selection of wire in most of the sizes we use for this hobby. The selection of colors is quite extensive also. The prices are reasonable and there are NAPA stores everywhere.

Hawaii is often a difficult place to find such basic supplies, but my wife suggested the NAPA store near us. I've been able to get all the wire we needed for the layout.

 

[Buckeye Riveter]

Looks good.

[Penny Trains]

www.hobbylinc.com  They have very reasonable prices on Model Power and Atlas wire among other things.

Becky

[dsluz]

Thank you for the help guys.  If anyone knows where to buy a wire strand with 4 connected wires for use with Lionel uncoupling/operating tracks, please post to the forum.

[Buckeye Riveter]

While we are discussing wire; where is a good place to purchase 3-conductor wire? 

I have more switches to connect to the SC-2 controller. 

[laz 57]

Check local army and navy store.  The one close to me I purchased 300 feet of lamp cord 14-16 gauge for 20 bucks.

laz57

[Phoebe Vet]

 

http://www.allelectronics.com/index.php 

 

 

[richhotrain]

http://www.powerwerx.com/wire-cable/

[dsluz]

Thanks.  I ended up getting security wire from Home Depot and doing a similar thing of extracting the individual colored wires from that.  I was just wondering if there was an online source for small gauge wire.  Sort of like buying the 'right thing' instead of having to 'make do.'  I guess part of me was disappointed that you can't run out anymore and buy exactly what you need.  

I do have to acquire wire for making the connection between pair of 022 switches and a remote control track section and their respective controllers.  Any ideas for where to get a wire bundle similar to what originally came with these items?

[Tootle]

Depending on the application I usually use themostat wire (18 Ga. +/-) or telephone wire (24 Ga. +/-).  You can find bothe at Lowes or Home Depot.  It may take a little work and a few minutes to strip the multiple conductors out of their sheath, but you'll get several lengths of color coded conductors at a reasonable price.

[arkady]

Radio Shack, if there's one near you.

 

[dsluz]

This is a pretty general question, but where is a good place/store/website to buy wire these days?  I need to do a little re-wiring on some Lionel gear, and I have been unable to locate the necessary wire at Lowe's/Home Depot around where I live in New Jersey.  These stores don't carry 22-26 gauge wire, which seems to be around what is necessary.  Thanks to anyone for the help.