I learned how the hard way!!! My grandson disconnected the tender from my Veranda Turbine by just pulling them apart - I'm still trying to find someone local to repair the zillion gauge wire plug ends on the HO Lionel!!! The only way I'll ever unplug again is with a pair of mini needlenose pliers!!
Removing them is a PIA. I use the 'pry one side with a miniature screw driver method' - I am planning on buying some train transport boxes so I do not have to disconnect them if I take them to the club in the future - I will leave them connected!
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
The best way to disconnect it? DON'T! Leave it in place! (Easier said then done, I'm sure). I don't leave my steam loco on my layout when I'm not using it (don't want to risk someone "highballing it" and ruining it) and I usually move it together as one piece. I noticed that when I wanted to plug it together I had to lay it down on a soft table/bed anyway to hook the wiring harness together, so I never disconnect it now unless I have to. It doesn't wear the harness out that way either.
Modeling the N&W freelanced at the height of their steam era in HO.
Daniel G.
Blind Bruce Over the years I have just NOT removed these plugs unless absolutely necessary. I even store them together.
Over the years I have just NOT removed these plugs unless absolutely necessary. I even store them together.
Bruce:
Amen to that.
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
73
Bruce in the Peg
I also use the pry on every side approach with a small jeweller's flat-tipped screwdriver, about the only sensible use for a slotted screw's implement. I have used fine needle-nosed pliers with success, but it can be difficult to get access without scraping something..the prying works well with an additional few seconds. Get the flat tip between the receptacle lip and the plug rear lip and pry gently at all sides.
To install them, I lay the engine on its side and use the dull end of a wooden kabob skewer to push it home using the same technique in reverser...a little nudge on all edges of the plug's rear surface where the wires are found until it feels secure.
Decades ago my Dad cautioned me about pulling any type of plug, no matter its size, by the wires. It puts too much stress at the insertion point insulation if nothing else.
-Crandell
You should never pull by the wires because they can easily be pulled out of the plug. A fellow club member did that one day on a Bachmann Spectrum locomotive and had to sent the engine to Bachmann to have the plug replaced.
I use the tip of a small jeweler's screwdriver to pry one edge then the other until the plug begins to come out enough to get ahold of with tweezers or needle nosed pliers.
One day I was thinking about this same thing. What works for me is an automotive fuse puller. These can be purchased almost any where, or you could take it from your car. Most vehicles come factory equipped with one. I glued very thin rubber to inside of the remover to add grip. Because it's flat and wide, there is less chance of damaging the connector. Some removers may be modified to fit(better). Just a suggestion!
I do not think there is a "best" way, just different ways. You did not mention brand. For Spectrum, I use a small jewelers screwdriver and pry the plug out.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Try and get a grip on the plug itself--a needlenose pliers will work. I tried pulling out a plug by the wires one time on a BLI Mountain and ended up pulling the wires right through the plug. Don't think THAT wasn't a nightmare to try and re-connect!
I often use a small pliers to get a good grip of the plug itself before I pull. Same thing when removing a decoder from a socket. Probably not necessary but I imagine it's better for the equipment.
Magnus
Hi,
What is the best way to disconnect the electrical plug between tender and loco. Is it okay to disconnect the plug by pulling the wires or does this run the risk of pulling the wires out the plug. I have also tried using a sharp knife to disconnect but this seems to be damaging the plug. What is the recommended way?
Thanks for your help.
Paul