I searched to no avail so I figured I'd ask here... I haven't lost or broke one yet one yet, but I am a realist. Is there a source for those tiny loco motor springs and is there a reason (beside convenience) to not eliminate them by soldering in a jumper wire? Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide!!
Soldering in a jumper wire is probably your only option unless you can find someone on one of the forums who is willing to give or sell you a set as The motor contact springs for MTL's GP9 GP35 GP40-2 have been sold out everywhere for at least 7 to 8 years now.
Those are called Extension Springs. This company sells them, in many small sizes, so you need to measure one. Get the Phosphor Bronze ones for best electrical conductivity. They are expensive for small quantities, but if someone ordered 100, the price for the size we need would go down to about $1.60 each. Sell a set of 6 for $15, and 10 for say $25, to recoup your cost plus shipping plus time invested to provide for others. I don't have the time myself, but if I was a dealer like Frank or Anthony I would do it. Templeman Company Small Spring Specialist Since 1938 Item # EAU-008-308-P, Extension Spring .094"x .308" Phosphor Bronze $3.75 ea. or 100 for $1.60 ea.
I'm starting a file called "Things That Robert Ray Says." You are knowledgeable about many, many things. Keep 'em coming. Jim
I bought two sets of these from Anthony about a year or year and a half ago. They were sold as “out of package” in bulk, which tends to make me think they did not come from MTL. For dimensional sake here are pictures which may assist. These little guys are very very tiny. Notice one end it is longer and has a larger hook about it than the other. Sorry if the pictures don’t capture the detail.
