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Lionel Maintenance & Repair / 1121 Switch Continuity Issue

« Last post by train1989 on December 04, 2024, 07:29:54 am »

I acquired two 1121s switches. When I put 14v to them, the lights work and the switches operate as expected. However, when I check continuity between center and outside rails, both switches show continuity. If I remove the light bulb, then I do not get continuity on either switch between center and outside rails. Is this normal behavior, or is there a problem? If a problems, suggestions on what may be the issue?

Power & Control / How many feet of track will my Ready-to-tun Train Set Support

« Last post by Mavii on December 03, 2024, 11:45:43 pm »

I'm new to model railroading. I haven't owned a train in more than 30 years, and I have never owned a Lionel O-gauge before now. I appreciate any help you can give a newbie.

I recently bought the Polar Express Ready-to-run Train Set (O Gauge) and I have it set up under my Christmas tree. I would like to add the track, but I'm not sure what I will need. I would like to setup a long section of track with a reverse loop at both ends. One reverse loop would go around a Christmas tree, the straight section would go down the hall, and the second reverse loop would go around the piano. The straight section of track between the two loops is about 65 feet.

I did some reading and found out that because of the three-rail system, I don't need any special wiring for the reverse loops. Can someone please confirm this for me?

My second question is about power. Will the little bitty transformer be enough to power that layout with only one train? If not, what do I need to buy so that I don't lose any of the functionality of the blue tooth controls?

I guess a follow up question is, what am I controlling. Does the Bluetooth controller control the transformer? In other words, does the transformer vary the amount of power supplied to the rials based on my input, or does the transformer supply constant power to the rails and the Bluetooth is controlling the speed of the train directly?

General Lionel Model Train Discussion / Re: New to lionel o gage, in need of a little help

« Last post by mtnman1 on November 25, 2024, 08:36:43 am »

The insulators are to keep the integrity of the non-derailing feature of the switch. I will try to describe where they go to you. Basically the insulation pins (2 of them total) go into the two shortest rails on the switch. These rails lead to the Frog. The path of the two rails toward the frog form a small v shape. You can research it online and find lots of diagrams showing exactly where they go.

Lionel Maintenance & Repair / 3 exposed wires at end of engine and coal car

« Last post by Gidget on November 22, 2024, 10:54:31 pm »

I could use some help on how to repair my late husband's Lionel Christmas freight train set. 3 wires are poking out from the car connector, the same with the coal car. Must be the voice box as the train will run but no audio buttons work. Can I repair this??
- Train Newbie [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]

Prewar Lionel Trains 1900-1942 / Questions about some unique Macy special passenger cars

« Last post by James M on November 19, 2024, 11:45:54 pm »

So I purchased these two maroon 607 Macy special passenger cars at an antique store for $20 and have a few questions about them. What are they worth? I have a maroon manual reverse 253, is it possible that they would be in the same set? I’m having a bit of trouble uploading a picture of them but all the paint is there except that Macy special is barely legible on either side of both cars, the red sticker on the bottom of each car is intact and each car is missing a coupler.

Prewar Lionel Trains 1900-1942 / Re: Running my Lionel OO

« Last post by James M on November 19, 2024, 04:14:11 pm »

Beautiful Hudson’s!

Lionel Maintenance & Repair / Re: Max pulling power for a postwar 726 rr

« Last post by djacobsen on November 18, 2024, 07:41:08 am »

Hello & Welcome to the Forum.

My way of telling is to add cars to the consist until the locomitive start spinning it wheels, then removing a car or two.
I believe modern cars are heavier that the early tin plate.

Hoprle this helps.
Happy Rails
dave

Lionel Maintenance & Repair / Max pulling power for a postwar 726 rr

« Last post by James M on November 17, 2024, 05:20:41 pm »

What is the max amount of postwar cars vs modern cars my Lionel 726 rr be able to safely pull without burning out the pullmor motor?

Layout Design Forum / track software for apple

« Last post by James M on November 15, 2024, 06:15:47 pm »

Currently trying to find track software for apple hardware. I honestly don’t care how old the software is as long it works on classic os9 to modern apple silicon. I have a PowerBook g4 and a mid 2010 MacBook Pro running Monterey via Open code legacy patcher. It has to be free to use all the features. Mainly planning to use it for O gauge tubular track but also planning to use it for Marklin Z gauge. Thanks

Trains Marketplace - Buy & Sell Here! / TMCC diesel engine wanted! Willing to trade

« Last post by James M on November 15, 2024, 05:56:20 pm »

I have bought a cab 1 remote a 180w powermaster, a command base 1 and have a bunch of postwar engines but now looking to find a Modern tmcc equipped diesel. I am willing to trade some of my engines for a tmcc diesel.
A black 221 with whistle tender. New York central is faded but readable.
A 224 with black handrails and a 2466W tender.
A Lionel Southern Pacific Gp20 Diesel Engine 18831 with box. I bought this accidentally thinking it had tmcc but it doesn’t.
Two prewar maroon 607 Macy special passenger cars. Macy special is legible on one side on each car.

If you have a tmcc equipped diesel that you are willing to part with and interested in trading, email me at Gameboy1527@proton.me