Your Favorite Connector for Decoder to Rail Pickup Wires

[peahrens]

I've put some decoders in diesels lately (and have more to tackle) that have typical trucks that unclip and drop out of the frame for servicing (lube, etc).  Rather than use extra long wires to the trucks to allow dropout, plus liking to solder the pickup wire at the truck, I know I will regret not making future servicing easier.  So I suspect that including a connector than can unplug is a good idea.  And I could always add connectors to those already done with shortish wires.  Typically the wiring is 30AWG.

I found the following at Litchfield Station but solicit suggestions for a favorite approach to this if folks like others.

http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=678810058&cat=170&page=1

Thanks!

[skagitrailbird]

I'd go for longer wires. Easier to stuff excess wire in a nok or cranny than those connectors with shrink tubing.

[rrinker]

 Honestly, I don't bother. Most trucks have a bottom plate you can get to without removing it from the loco, and even those that don't, at least for the most common periodic task of lubrication, you just need to put the gear lube or oil on an exposed gear and the turning gears will distrubute it to the ones you didn't directly apply anything to. Needing to drop the whole truck out is such a rare thing, if I ever need to do it, I can just cut the wires and then splice them back after reassembly.

 This is also a good reason to do any tune up and alterations BEFORE installing a decoder.

 I'm more worried about just getting the shell off - so when the lights are permanently attached in the shell, it's useful to have a connector thre so the shell cna be completely removed and moved away from the chassis for painting, detailing, or weathering. Or to troubleshoot problems in the chassis without dragging the shell along by the wires.

                    --Randy

[hon30critter]

Paul

I'd say the connectors look reasonable. Unfortunately they don't say how big they are but why not buy one package and check them out. Won't break the bank.

I have made my own connectors from IC chip sockets but that was when the prices for ready made connectors were rather steep. The ones Litchfield is offering are reasonably priced IMO.

Dave

[BRVRR]

I'm with Randy here. I've installed decoders in dozens of locos without connectors to the trucks.

I have installed a few connectors for lights and speakers but have never seen or had a need to install them on the truck pick-ups.

If the need arises, I'll simply de-solder the connections.

[peahrens]

Thanks, guys. Helpful advice.