LGB Transformer connections

[rakstr]

Been looking gall around and haven't had much luck. My LGB has been in the closet for about 3 years in the original box. It's a small starter kit I purchased about 20 years ago. Problem is that the spring loads on the transformer (5003/110) can get depressed in the foam packing and it seems that two of them have lost their spring leaving the connections to the track very loose.

Any ideas if these are replaceable and if so, how?

 

[UP2CSX]

Here's the easy, quick way. Get a pair of wires with alligator clips on both ends. Attach one to the power pack and another to the spring clips. Should work fine, at least through the holidays. The correct way is to solder the wire direct to the side of the track and not depend on spring connections at all.

 

[rakstr]

Here's the easy, quick way. Get a pair of wires with alligator clips on both ends. Attach one to the power pack and another to the spring clips. Should work fine, at least through the holidays. The correct way is to solder the wire direct to the side of the track and not depend on spring connections at all.

Thanks for the response. Wrong end though I've got nice screw clamps for the track side. It's the transformer connections that are spring loaded and have no more "ooooomph". The clips work by pushing them in, inserting the wire into the hole, and then the spring tension "clamps" it in; Much like a speaker connection. Problem is, the box actually kept the terminals depressed while in storage and the springs have no more "spring"

 

[UP2CSX]

Unless I'm not understanding how those spring clips work, any metal surface you can get to should be hot. Can you not get any part of the alligator clip attached to any point of the spring terminal? If not, post a picture of what these terminals look like since I'm confused.

 

[rakstr]

Unless I'm not understanding how those spring clips work, any metal surface you can get to should be hot. Can you not get any part of the alligator clip attached to any point of the spring terminal? If not, post a picture of what these terminals look like since I'm confused.

The plastic completely surrounds the metal contact. It's only when you push in on the plastic "tab" is the hole exposed through the metal contact. You insert the wire and the spring action pushing out on the clip keeps the wire securely in contact with the metal within for the electric circuit. I don't have enough posts to upload a picture. Here is a picture (poor) of a similar set. You can see the four contact tabs at the top of the transformer, 2 for accessories and 2 for track.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LGB-Marshall-Fi...categoryZ19154QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

 

[UP2CSX]

OK, I think I understand the problem. The terminals are hot, they just won't hold the wire because the spring doesn't secure the wire. I'm assuming the wires stay in and the train runs if you hold the wire.

Stop at an auto supply store and pick up an assorment of crimp-on bullet connectors. The skinny ones for 18 gauge wire should be about right. Try those in the hole. All you want is one that will fit in the hole and be held by the friction of the weak spring. Once you find one that fits, crimp it on the end of the power wire and you should be in business.

 

[rakstr]

OK, I think I understand the problem. The terminals are hot, they just won't hold the wire because the spring doesn't secure the wire. I'm assuming the wires stay in and the train runs if you hold the wire.

Stop at an auto supply store and pick up an assorment of crimp-on bullet connectors. The skinny ones for 18 gauge wire should be about right. Try those in the hole. All you want is one that will fit in the hole and be held by the friction of the weak spring. Once you find one that fits, crimp it on the end of the power wire and you should be in business.

Thanks... I've got a couple options that work to get power to the train but I was hoping there was a way someone knew of to replace the springs.