700T Tender Banana Plug

There were two different plugs used. 1937 to 1939 used the larger plug that was split. 1940 to the end used the small solid plug.  With the early split plug the springiness to keep the plug in and to make a good electrical connection was in the splits in the plug. The Jack in the brush plate was a flush mounted rigid hole. In this design the plug was very fragile either getting bent or one or more of the quarter segments would get broken off. The later solid plugs have a split surface mounted Jack which provides the springiness.  This plug was very successful and was used into the postwar era on the 726, 671, 773, and early 0-4-0 switchers. Maybe more.

The early plug is a bear to find. Denis Waldron was the only person I knew who had them. When he died his business was sold to Trainz, so maybe a call to Scott would get you somewhere. As I recall, when Dennis was selling the early plugs he was asking 70 to 80 dollars for a plug. The solid plugs are still common, but sold under several different part numbers since they come with different wire lengths. Maybe try looking using a 227 number? If you can not figure the part number out, call Jeff Kane, The Train Tender.  He will have them and will know the part number.

On the early plugs the plastic insulated is threaded and needs to be screwed off to solder in a new wire. Be really careful not to get any solder on the threads. If you do, it might split the plastic when you screw it back on. On the solid plug, the plastic does not come off. All the solder should be right at the metal tip. Heat only the tip and work quickly to avoid damaging the plastic.

David,

Thanks for the information… The pin on my ‘38 700E tender is split with a short hex section that bits against the black plug.

Will contact Scott at Trains and Jeff Kane.

Regards

Joe

Joe, have you tried just gently prying (spreading) the pin open a bit more? I've done that many times with that type of plug. Also, clean up the plug a bit with some Scotch Brite to help restore the connection. Should be an easy fix, no soldering required!!!

George

Thanks George, I did gently spread the pin and it worked… I was able to pick up 4 of the earlier thicker plugs, bakelite and wire all intact.

Regards,

Joe