Lionel Trains - Lionel Train Forum - Model Train Forum
Lionel Trains Workshop => Lionel Maintenance & Repair => Topic started by: cbwells on August 02, 2013, 02:38:58 pm
-
In old books you can see lash-ups using car batteries and rheostats. In this day and age, you are going to have a far easier time finding a secondhand Lionel type 4044 than you will finding a rheostat. Plus, a proper train transformer is far safer for you and your trains. It's not worth getting a shock or burning your house down to save a buck. Whoever you sell your trains to won't mind buying an extra transformer with them.
-
Curt,
Hello & Welcome to the Forum!
I've been doing a little research into your question, yes there are ways to supply the low voltage a/c current needed to test your locomotives, but the cost- time & money, make them impracticable.
(Hopefully someone will chime in with a wonderful inexpensive fix for you.)
Options:
Borrow a friends transformer.
Contact your LHS, you may inquire if they have a used, low priced transformer you can purchase.
a well used Marx usually runs $5.00-$10.00, or ask if you can bring your locomotives by if they have a test track.
If there is a train club locally contact them, I'm certain a member will allow you to bring your locomotives to their layout to test them. Also a member may have an extra transformer they will sell you.
Then there's CraigsList, you can put an ad in their wanted section for a used a/c transformer.
If none of the above works for you and you live in the boonies, or can see the boonies from your front porch like I can, PM me or catch me on the CHAT this weekend. Fri, Sat & Sun, 8-11:30 PM.
Dave
-
If have a lot of old Lionel trains but no transformer is there a way to test without one Thanks Curt