Add off switch for smoke unit

Are you sure the loco is drawing 14 amps at full throttle? That's way more than it should.

There is a company called Ficus products that makes an on/off switch for American Flyer smoke units. That would work.

But if you think that disconnecting the smoke unit is what is required to make your loco run faster, you should look at other things first. That loco is not a fast runner, has historically had problems with the Magnatraction magnets rubbing on the drive wheels, and other things.

Thanks Roy. I knew I was not figuring something right. The transformer is capable of 14 amps output. (not continuous) What I need to do is check what my engine amp draw is. I think my sometimers was kicking in. I have already corrected the known issues with the 783 you mentioned. It actually runs very well. I just don't want the smoke on most of the time. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

I have used slide switches from ALL Electronics:  https://www.allelectronics.com...-slide-switch/1.html ,   and 26 gauge wire to install in my post war American Flyer steamers.  Work great, easy install.

Marty

I'm unsure what type of smoke unit is in this engine so it is hard to make a call here.  The smoke units I'm aware of all take less than one amp to operate, but there could be some that take more.  

That said, if you have a simple multi-meter you can figure it out pretty easily.  The simplest method would be to disconnect the smoke unit and place an amp meter in line where you would put a switch.  Then with the engine at full power, read how much current the smoke unit draws.  From here you can choose a switch and wire that can handle that load.  Here is a simple wire guide useful for short wires such as hooking up a smoke unit in an engine.  Longer runs of wire will require different figures, but these are good for short distance hook-ups.  

28AWG - 0.7 Amps
26AWG - 1.0 Amp
24AWG - 2.0 Amps
22AWG - 3.0 Amps
20AWG - 5.0 Amps
18AGW - 7.0 Amps
16AWG - 10.0 Amps
14AWG - 20.0 Amps

I would feel comfortable using 18-20AWG wire because it is easier to work with than smaller gauges, and a slide switch rated for at least 1 amp, but 1.5-2 amps if you find one small enough.  

I should have mentioned it is a standard fluid, puffer smoke unit, run off track power. Thank you all so much. I now have the knowledge to proceed. It may be a little while before I have time to complete this project, but I will report back afterwards to let you know how it turned out. 

Thanks again,

Chris

Finally getting around to letting you know what I did that worked well. Found a 10A 125V rocker switch at Digi-Key part #EG1526-ND. switch is 3/8" wide 7/8" long inc. elect. connectors and 1/4"deep. There is a long fabric factory wire sleeve with plenty of room for the two wires to keep it neat in the 783 loco. Mounted switch with dbl sided foam tape on cab floor. Its not noticeable at all because of its small size.  Wanted to thank everyone who responded to my request.

Chris

Holy crap!  You just needed a very small slide switch like is used in thousands of Lionel and MTH locomotives for the task!  #22 wire is more than sufficient for any smoke unit that's used in O-gauge model trains.