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Lionel Trains Workshop => Power & Control => Topic started by: UK Lionel on February 15, 2020, 01:59:50 am

Title: Postwar trainset on UK power?
Post by: UK Lionel on February 15, 2020, 01:59:50 am
I am currently running my old (1952) Lionel train in the UK. Tennents Trains here in the UK supplied me with a custom made step down transformer that has an 18 volt AC output to operate with an MTH RailKing controller. I had previously purchased a step down transformer to operate some of my US power tools. They seem to do fine on 50 Hz ouput of the stepdown ( UK power is 240 volt, 50 Hz). Why couldn't I just plug my standard Lionel controller into the 120 volt outlet on the stepdown tansformer? Would the 50 Hz power cause problems with the motor in my old train?
Title: Re: Postwar trainset on UK power?
Post by: djacobsen on February 19, 2020, 06:00:32 am
UK Lionel

what l remember about usng 50 cycle on a 60 cycle motor, it doesn't spin as fast. l remember trying to run a turntable on 50 cyle power but the speed was not correct.   We would purchase converters that would transform 220v/50cycle into 120v/60cycle to run stateside electronics in europe through the PX/BX. if you know any US GI's stationed over there, have them pick one up for you.

happy rails!
dave