Having just seen this post, you have validated that the loco runs despite eliminating power pick up from the tender, so you are good to go with your plans.
One suggestion, which may or may not be practical, I have no recent experience of N gauge so you need to make your own decision! When detaching the wires from the tender I would suggest unsoldering the wires at the loco end; because if you ever want to sell the tender as a spare, having the wire connections to the loco intact is likely to make it more attractive to potential purchasers.
One suggestion, which may or may not be practical, I have no recent experience of N gauge so you need to make your own decision! When detaching the wires from the tender I would suggest unsoldering the wires at the loco end; because if you ever want to sell the tender as a spare, having the wire connections to the loco intact is likely to make it more attractive to potential purchasers.
