I inherited a badly abused LGB 2-6-0 Mogul loco, the ubiquitous Colorado Southern #6. Two sets of three coupled cables come out of the rear of the loco, are attached to a plug that plugs into the front end of the tender, evidently to couple the loco’s speed to the chuffing produced in the tender. LGB should have been shot before it devised the plug, because not only is it difficult to plug into the tender, but it is almost impossible to pull out without grabbing and pulling on those coupled cables. Sure enough, one set of them broke away from the plug right at the plug, and I see no way to reattach them whatsoever. I have a hard time believing mine is the first ever to break, so guys, how have you fixed this problem? Is it possible to buy a replacement plug and cables, and if so, is it a real manhour to get inside of the loco to attach the other end of the cable???
Train-Li will have replacements (Sometimes they are not on their website, give them a call).
I should add same thing happened to my LGB Mikado cable and it was easily repaired as it is an “Insulation Displacement Cable”. You just have to pry the connector shell apart and “re-squeeze” the cable.
You’re right, it is a poor design…Bachmann chose the same design on there K-27.
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Art,
the cable is able to be repaired. Over time the wires become brittle and careless operators pull on the wires to remove the receptacle from the tender mount. Always insert a small screwdriver to gently coax the cable out or simply leave it in permanently.
OK, now to the repair. If you wear glasses, then give them a very good clean. The wires are soldered at the locomotive end to the stock circuit board. Any 'replacement' would entail a new circuit board. The cable can be repaired and I have done so many times. Look to the grey plug on the end of the cable. Either side of the plug are plastic 'legs' that retain the outer cover on the inner part of the plug in which the wires terminate. Using two small jeweller's screwdrivers insert the screwdrivers to expand the legs away from their captive detent on the inner plug. Now using a third hand and a sharp implement, separate the inner plug away from the outer cover. Sometimes the six inner metal clips will withdraw with the inner plug, but mostly they will stay attached to the outer case that contains the wires. Remove the six metal clips, taking note of orientation. This then allows the wires on the cable to be further inserted into the plug, extending out the other side of the plug. Common cause of failure is broken wires inside the plug. Extending new wire through the plug, say 1/4" will be sufficient. If required, refit the six metal clips to the inner plug in the same orientation as when removed. Reassemble the plug and cut off the excess wire extending through the plug. I find that a workshop engineer's vice handy for compressing the plug back together. Take care as it is relatively easy to over compress and squash the plug.
Process seems complicated but is relatively easy to accomplish.Thanks Mark and Tim,
I’ve almost always used a wide, flat-blade screwdriver to ease the plug out of the tender, but I guess that only delayed the inevitable, given the abuse the loco suffered in the past. I’ll take your advice and see what I can do to effect the repairs you suggest. Thanks very much!
I only use an exacto knofe to repair the 6 pin connector.
First I gently spread one side at a time of the legs and then gently pry the top 1/16 of an inch at that side, then I do the other side.
The U shaped plate has 2 stops, and I let it reach the top stop.
Now I use the exacto to pry the metal clips away from the connector. This way keeps the clips in the housing and they are not on the floor!!!
Remove the cable and if any insulation is left in the connector, it can be pushed out with 1 1/32 drill bit.
cut off about 3/16 inch of the cable end and then reinsert and clamp the cable together.
I have repaired over 50 cable ends doing this and never dropped the little metal clip.
I talked to a fellow today at the PSW Garden RR show. He basically said the same as you, Dan, particularly about how to avoid dropping the little metal clip. I’ll try what you say and keep my fingers crossed. Thanks!!