Lionel Train Forum - Lionel Trains




Author Topic: Scared  (Read 1062 times)

Newtrainuser

  • New Member
  • *
  • Posts: 3
    • View Profile

  • Total Badges: 8
    Badges: (View All)
    Second year Anniversary One year Anniversary Level 2
Scared
« on: December 15, 2014, 07:24:11 pm »
I have a 70 year old K Type Transformer that hasn't been used in 40 years. How do I tell if it works, and how do I connect it to a small oval to see if my engine will work? It has A,B,C,U and D,E,F,G,H. Thank you

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter


TrainLarry

  • Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 491
    • View Profile
  • Scale(s) Modeled: 0 scale

  • Total Badges: 19
    Badges: (View All)
    Seventh year Anniversary Sixth year Anniversary Fifth year Anniversary
Re: Scared
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2014, 08:34:53 pm »
Welcome to the forum!
No need to be scared of anything pertaining to Lionel trains, as there are many people out there to help you in anything you may encounter with your trains.

First recommendation is to not even think about plugging in the transformer if the AC power cord is brittle, **** or in other than perfect condition. If  the cord needs replacement and you are capable of doing the job properly and safely, go to it. If not, a trip to your local repair shop is in order.

The picture shows the voltages available from the various terminal configurations. Terminals B-U giving 10-18 volts would be the place to start to run your trains. The conventional hookup is to connect the 'U' terminal to the outside rail, and the 'B' terminal to the center rail, although the transformer can be hooked up the other way also. The trains will run properly with either hookup.

Be aware that the transformer may not have a circuit breaker to protect itself from a short circuit or overload condition. An external automotive 12 volt@ 6amp breaker should be wired in series with the 'B' wire to the track.

Larry



[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]

Newtrainuser

  • New Member
  • *
  • Posts: 3
    • View Profile

  • Total Badges: 8
    Badges: (View All)
    Second year Anniversary One year Anniversary Level 2
Re: Scared
« Reply #2 on: December 18, 2014, 07:27:29 pm »
Thank you Larry.
I took your advise and had it checked out. Funny after nearly 80 years the cord was pretty good, and the transformer tested well. I hooked it to the track, but do not like this type of transformer as the voltage selections either run the train too slow, or too fast. I would prefer a more variable speed transformer. My engine was built between 1933 and 1939, and that too is in excellent shape. Adding several cars seems to need about 14 volts or so. Less than that runs too slow, more than that runs too fast. My transformer doesn't have the perfect setting. To get 14 volts, I need BF terminals, which is constant voltage. Using BU, I can't find one speed setting that works best as any setting is either too slow or too fast. I'd like to slow down around curves, but this transformer doesn't allow that. Would you have any thoughts regarding recommending a transformer for me. Should I buy a used transformer? I'd like more track, so could attach to the track in multiple locations for consistent voltage, but would like more variable speed control.

TrainLarry

  • Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 491
    • View Profile
  • Scale(s) Modeled: 0 scale

  • Total Badges: 19
    Badges: (View All)
    Seventh year Anniversary Sixth year Anniversary Fifth year Anniversary
Re: Scared
« Reply #3 on: December 18, 2014, 08:09:31 pm »
Thank you for your update.
When using the B-U terminals to run your trains, you can vary the voltage throughout the range of 10-18 volts by moving the voltage select arm on top of the transformer. You should be able to slow down and speed up your trains satisfactorily with your transformer. The only downside is the transformer varies in 2 volt steps, but that was the technology of the era.

Should you wish to replace your transformer with another one, either a used KW at 175 watts, or a larger ZW transformer at 250 watts are good, and virtually indestructible. The KW will allow you to run 2 trains simultaneously, and the ZW up to 4 trains simultaneously, on different tracks of course.

When you expand your layout, you can add more lockons to the track to better distribute power.

Larry

Newtrainuser

  • New Member
  • *
  • Posts: 3
    • View Profile

  • Total Badges: 8
    Badges: (View All)
    Second year Anniversary One year Anniversary Level 2
Re: Scared
« Reply #4 on: December 19, 2014, 06:36:21 pm »
Thanks again Larry. You've been really kind. I think I'll take your advice and get a "ZW" transformer, as I have 3 full trains and 4 engines, so could easily implement 4 train sets. Today, I just have 3 train ovals going around my x-mas tree, as that is really the extent of my annual train usage. Unfortunately, I have 3 transformers, so I think I should try to reduce that complexity particularly if one ZW can replace them. Enjoy your holiday, and hope you and your family have a magical New Year.

 

Member Photos

Recent Threads

Lionel 0288 Coaling Station by Tom
March 15, 2024, 10:10:23 pm

Estate Sale, Huge Collection, Original Boxes by x78163
March 14, 2024, 04:15:45 pm

Re: Lionel ps by Trainzlover44
February 12, 2024, 10:36:14 am

Lionel ps by Trainzlover44
February 12, 2024, 10:01:26 am

Lionel flying Yankee whistle by Gtp2002
February 10, 2024, 12:02:46 pm

Menu


Donate to LTF Here

Lionel Trains

Lionel Train Forum - Model Train Forum

©2012-2023  LionelTrainForum.com