I just wanted to let you know that both train engines are now working.I want to thank you guys very much for your advice in getting them running. I hope everybody had a nice Thanksgiving Day.

great website. I have book marked them all.I tried the transformer again this time with the speed lever all the way off and miraculously it did not tripped the breaker. so I am going with the assumption that the transformer is not defective.
so my next step is to see if the engines work. I don't have a section of track that has working terminal posts. Is it ok just to attach the bare wires from the transformer directly to each of the rails.I guess I will need to buy some terminal posts but for now I just want to see if I can get  the engines going. thank you.

good evening. I am hoping to get your thoughts. A friend gave my son and me 2 engines and some track.the train engines are American Flyer number 2 83 and 290.  they are Model S or s gauge I'm not sure the proper term.  He also gave us a transformer which is a Lionel type 1073. we don't know very much about trains but we have been reading a fair amount on the Internet.we do not know if the trains even work. We would like to keep them as original as possible. We also do not have a whole lot of money to spend so would like to knowhow much we will need to invest to get the train running before we start spending money on the train set.  question one is what to do with the transformer. I tried plugging it in and the circuit breaker tripped and we heard a popping sound. because I value my house not to mention my life needless to say we will not be plugging in the transformer again until we know what the problem is.I also noted that there is continuity between the two prongs on the plug.I am thinking there should not be continuity and so perhaps that means there is a short circuit somewhere.can the transformer be repaired or am I looking at buying a new Transformer.question 2 I have no idea if the engines work. Is there a way to test the motors on the engines to know if they work. Because if they do not work I'm wondering how much it would cost to repair them if that's possible or whether I am also looking at trying to buy a new engine.the answer to these questions will help us to evaluate how far to go with this new hobby.so any of your thoughts are much appreciated thank you very much.