Securing posts on whistle shed or gateman

My experience is that the clips have to be replaced with new clips. I then taped the clips Into place using a hollow nut driver. 

Thanks Dave! Makes sense. I'm sure I'll find someone that can sell me a few. I'm assuming you had a typo and meant tapped.

I tried to use the previous clips I removed but can't get them tight enough. Or even using the old clips I suppose a dab of Elmer's on each corner would work. The end result I need is just to keep the house on the foundation.

It will end up a great addition as I don't plan to run any conventional and sure miss that old tender air whistle.

At one time I just pushed the clips down with a nut driver or socket. I find that doing so doesn't make them tight enough. After getting them on as far as possible with the nut driver / socket, I use a wide, flat bladed screw driver to press the outside frame of the clip down flat against the base, one side at a time. I alternate between the two sides to get it as tight as possible. I do not press against the inner pieces that grasp the post, just the outside frame.

If the clips are in good condition, they can be re-used. They should have a slight curve to them, with the center higher than the ends.
I straighten the inner pieces that go against the shaft, and make certain that slight curve is there before reinstallation.

I do what C.W. does. For the most part they can be rebent and reused if you didn't distort them too bad when removing.

The part # you are looking for is 395-30 terminal clips.

This post was good timing as I just disassembled a postwar Lionel 125 whistling shack last night to redo as the whistle was loose. Giving it a good cleaning, replacing the clips (my were rusted) and remounting the whistle with new tape!