Need advice for a plug I can use for wiring in a LED.

[trainrails]

I'm changing the lightbulb headlight to a LED in a DC BB Athearn SW 1500. I want to wire in the LED with a plug so I can take the shell off. In other words I want to be able to disconnect it when I take off the shell for maintenance. I bought some 12 volt LED'S & they are good for headlights. I tested one & it goes on in forward & off in reverse. If someone knows of a plug I can use that I'll be able to solder in the LED leed in wires in with a little plug & what web site that has them I would really appreciate it. Thanks

 

[westtexjohn]

TCS and Bachmann parts offer a small 2 pin connector. There are a couple more mfg that sell them. One thing I found is none of them are cheap.
I prefer the TCS connectors and use them to connect/disconnect speaker wires when I remove a tender or loco shell. I found some two pin connectors on Amazon that are pretty good but have not used them yet. The Amazon units were less expensive but the wires were a bit stiffer than the TCS items.

Hope this helps......John

 

[Kusojiji]

How about something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Letool®30-1-25mm-Female-Connector-Cables/dp/B013JRWCBU/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3N2PUSTW6DOSD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ORnWYloGtkJhskdA3xmK9XcadHrgkWlZZAki0GMQTyJ5bsnSQsAziZzczpSxFvtedoXQ8h6iJ2rrKa1GJIW3MvnkK_WVdHkp2l5XEsEIAv7XSuq8RcCfZqmnNGRwHkyvwLVijuUSmW6gZvTL1LRmTbMjFWVzQ7D6DwoAYpccHI3KC1quKGoiVnvfqHnsALChwDuY8bBhirJLJfSW3CC6-0aHSDncPi_I8yPckLOJmkA.4bwgaYqQUgM4TwNJ9Hnxs7UzOWmf_CvEUDtMtjwu9sM&dib_tag=se&keywords=JST1.25+2+PIN&qid=1757480890&sprefix=jst1.25+2+pin%2Caps%2C246&sr=8-1

or this, but you need a crimper for something this small.

Amazon.com

 

[trainrails]

TCS and Bachmann parts offer a small 2 pin connector. There are a couple more mfg that sell them. One thing I found is none of them are cheap.
I prefer the TCS connectors and use them to connect/disconnect speaker wires when I remove a tender or loco shell. I found some two pin connectors on Amazon that are pretty good but have not used them yet. The Amazon units were less expensive but the wires were a bit stiffer than the TCS items.

Hope this helps......John

Could you tell me what is the website for TCS? I would like to order some. Thank you for the info.

 

[westtexjohn]

Train Control Systems website.......................tcsdcc.com

Look at the connectors they offer and write down the part number. Then go to Tony's Trains or SBC4DCC or Squeaky's Trains or the hobby shop of your choice and hunt for the TCS part number. TCS website will charge you "retail" price while other suppliers offer a discount.

TCS offers a two pin "micro" connector and a two pin "mini" connector. The mini works for speaker/light connectors for me. The 'micro" connectors work for loco to tender connections because it is very small.

Take care.....John

 

[shortwrench]

I use header connectors which have the pins on .100" centers. They are commonly used on Arduino boards and other
printed circuit board electronics. They come in male, female, right angle configurations. Just cut off a section with 2
pins and-voila- a small inexpensive connector. I usually get them from Jameco, also available from Amazon. A little
dab of red nail polish on the pin which has the resistor soldered to it designates it as the posittive lead.

 

[Michael B]

I'm a little different.

I just use homemade contacts.

There 4 contacts for the engine house - two for the interior lights(always on), and two more for the exterior lights(switched).

 

[westtexjohn]

Similar to the ones Kusojiji posted :

 

[Kusojiji]

I'm a little different.

I just use homemade contacts.

There 4 contacts for the engine house - two for the interior lights(always on), and two more for the exterior lights(switched).

I like that idea with the contacts on the sides. I've done that on my passenger cars, but they always come loose. Going to have to print up some retainers to hold the strips in place better.

Similar to the ones Kusojiji posted :

View attachment 238148

The ones that I bought have 26 AWG wire, which is kinda stiff. The second link I added above are just the connectors and I use 30 AWG very flexible wire on those for the tighter spots. Got the wire from Tramfabriek, along with the coreless motor and gears. Awesome guy.