I have a MTH 30-1176-1 decapod with a bad harness. The part # is BC-1200140 which is 10 pin PS2. I’ve recently replaced one in a different PS2 RailKing steamer. Both have the 90 degree connector, and both failed at the connector. Does anyone know if a harness is available with an inline, rather than angled connector. This should significantly decrease the stress along with being more aesthetic behind the cab.
Thanks…Rich
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your layout’s curves will dictate what you can do about a tether ,……..a straight tether as you’re suggesting won’t do you much good on sharp curves, hence the reason for the looped up Anaconda between the engine & tender,…..with a straight tether, you’ll lose the ability to make it pivot,……..if you have large curves O72 or bigger, you may be able to entertain a straight tether design,…
Pat
Plus MTH has no straight tether/plug for PS-2 steam. Maybe a scale GS4 is the best shot.
They had the universal straight plug which could be spliced in. If this was PS-2 3V then they had the outer removalable harness which could be flipped if it was one that is fully wrapped with outer rubber. But as stated if you did not widen the tender hole to allow the harness to move laterally you would still flex the plug and also add stress to the engine PCB pins. G
Just don't make the mistake of using the diesel straight tether, it has different pinouts for the wire colors and sizes. 
You can use the BC-0000217 Harness, then the wiring sizes and colors match the steam. If you're splicing it into existing wiring, just lop the 90 degree end off.
Thanks for the responses and information guys! I have 096 curves. If this is a somewhat common issue, has anyone come up with an effective stress relief resolution? I’m already using the tender drawbar connection that provides the maximum separation between engine and tender. I’ll need to purchase and splice in a new tether. I don’t know if blobbing on epoxy where the cable exits the connector would offer any stress relief? The damage is probably more from the leads twisting inside the cable rather than pulling.
Rich
Depending on the age and depending how many time you have pulled the tether in and out can determine why it failed. That loop minimized direct twisting at the plug, instead it flexs at a wider radius bend in the loop. Tether is inexpensive. Really can't help on how to make it better. IF you want the straight slot the tender outlet. G
Thanks GGG! Totally didn’t consider wear from connecting and disconnecting!
Rich
People pull on cord not plug, people rock side ways and pull. That is how the pins on the Engine PCB can get cracked solder joints. Sometimes making it look like a bad tether. G
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