Wire size

[Ted Lewis]

I am rewiring Athearn blue box f7's to get rid of the metal strip and put in LED headlights. I have 30 ga stranded wire. Is this wire too skinny, with the original motor? Thanks.

 

[Greg@mnrr]

I would suggest 28 ga. stranded wire.

Greg

 

[NP2626]

I have used 22 gauge stranded wire, simply because it is what I had on hand.

 

[wheeler1963]

Ted, here's how a good friend of mine taught me to rewire the Athearn blue boxes. It sure makes a difference in there performance having wires soldered straight to the brass bushings.

 

[Ted Lewis]

I would suggest 28 ga. stranded wire.

Greg

Thanks Greg. I am now using hi-flex 28 stranded wire. And you're right, a wire chart showed the 30 might not handle the current. This A-B-B-A set will be connected thru all the units to improve pickup with the old wheels. So it's likely at some point both A unit motors will be drawing current from the same point.

Ted, here's how a good friend of mine taught me to rewire the Athearn blue boxes. It sure makes a difference in there performance having wires soldered straight to the brass bushings. View attachment 35039View attachment 35040

Very nice work there! I have good results by soldering to the brass rivets.