Does anyone on this forum have for sale one or two "two prong USH type plugs with mating tender connection", of the type used on older USH steam locomotives? These are usually a "potted" white plug that has two male prongs on the locomotive that mates to a female receptacle/connection on the tender. I have an engine with drawbar pickup that used a rectifier for reversing and the rectifier failed.
Is there a recognized O scale two rail source or any other source for this type of item?
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A rectifier is pretty easy. Radio shack sells them if there is still one open in our area.
Why are you using a rectifier though? How is that doing a reversing function? I understand how to use a rectifier to run DC motors on AC. But I can't see how a simple rectifier can reverse either DC or AC.
The rectifier was in the + motor leg, and the headlight wire was tied to it. Radio does not have anything this size (the present one is a block that is located under the motor to GB coupling)
Mr. Hudson,
I have numerous KTM rectifiers. Is there a way you can take photo of the old one so I can verify we're talking about the same thing?
Jay
Oh, the rectifiers in the USH locos and tenders were for the lighting. they controlled directional lighting.
They are the very old style. I remember them now.
A simple diode in one leg or the other of the light wires would do this function. a very small one could be used. You just orient the plus/minus poles in the right direction to get the light on in the direction you want it. It is an option if you can't find an original. I think those originals do degrade after many years.
And that plug is an atrocity. Try sub-miniature pin connectors and shrink wrap. When you need two leads, just reverse male and female for the second pair of wires. Looks more like water hoses than wires. If I wasn't so lazy, I would pull a pair out of a USH model, convert it to sub-miniature, and send you the plugs.
In my experience, drawbar electrical connections fail early and often.
To All,
I have a stock of the old style (usually tender installed) USH rectifiers. The tender backup light stays on only when the loco is in reverse. Frankly, I never noticed whether the headlight stays on or turns off when backing, but I think that it should stay lit. Out of town for five days, but will get back to you all after I return and get the engine assembled.
Look on the Micromark website for p/n 83858. They are smaller than the USH connectors but should work.
Earl G.
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