Christmas Light strings damaged 20-3758-1

First I'd try to connect them with alligator test leads ( obviously connect matching color wires ) to see if the circuit still works  https://www.ebay.com/itm/16478...e:g:n8EAAOSwqshgW9ZV

If they were one long strand to begin with and simply broke apart then I’m sure you could solder back together. You’re not changing anything in the circuit.

They are actually two separate strings of lights.  Generally two colors on one string,  two on the other string.  Sometimes is was 3 colors on one , green on the other.  You need to identify the strings before splicing wires.  When I repaired them at MTH, I offset the splices, stripped the lacquer off, placed paper under the string to protect the paint, used silver solder to connect the wires and then used red and green nail polish to insulate the splice.  They are a real pain.  Hated working on them.

BTW, if O gauge, the cab can be removed to access the connectors.  Use a 9v battery with a 200-300 ohm resistor in series to test each string.

Thanks, John.  I have the very thin wires, red and green to make the splices.  The cab is difficult to budge, let alone remove from the boiler shell.

I will use your suggestion on the 9v battery with 200-300 ohm resistor to test.  Yes, it is like doing micro-surgery.

Will keep everyone posted.

Bruce

I had difficulty repairing a boxcar string which had a broken wire from the factory.  I finally had to resort to a mechanical fix for the connection rather than solder.

@bruce benzie posted:

Have this GS-4 with Christmas light strings where the upper two strings on the boiler left side were damaged. Desire to simply patch the light strings back together   rather than replace them.  The string consists of two strings with green and red wires.  The strings are encircled together as in a one piece string even though there are two strings entwined together.

Can the strings be reattached to each other without damage to the light circuit? Can not get access to the light board or connectors.  The steam chest/cab will not separate so I have no access to internals.

The attached photo  shows the arrangement and damage.

Any ideas on how to proceed?

Bruce

I also remember fixing those lightstrands at MTH too, if you take your time and seperate everything it should go ok. I think your best bet is to take the boiler off and work on it that way.