Large Scale Central

What gauge of wire?

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

I’m finally getting around to converting my RS-3 to battery power. The battery pack will be in a gondola behind the loco. What size wire should I use to go from the electronics inside the loco, to the plug between loco and gondola?

#2

20 - 22 gauge works fine for me.

#3

Thanks

#4

For most people, I would recommend heavier wire, in light of the distance and the current that could be drawn. I would use 18 gauge.

But, I know you go slow and don’t pull long trains, so lighter gauge will probably be fine, even with your layout being mostly grades.

By the way, have you calculated the average and maximum grades?

Greg

#5

Check out the Lionel sellers. They have very flexible stranded wire that I use for the same purpose. I was looking for flexible wire a couple of years ago and wasn’t finding any. That’s when I thought of Lionel.

#6

Ah ha! Now there is an idea.

#7

Source for very flexible AWG18 wire (silicone)

http://www.amazon.com/18-Gauge-Silicone-Wire-feet/dp/B00G6IOBS2

The type of wire is commonly used for test leads.

#8

I found the silicone flex wire at a local R/C Airplane store…

John