Getting Lionel Trains running for Christmas

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. Found a box in the basement with some of my old Lionel train trestle uprights, and the end of the box the Transformer came in. Took the transformer off the shelf and brushed off the dust. They are listed on eBay for around 600.00 bucks! Watched a few Videos on how to test them, way past my ability to understand, guess watts are a household wiring deal, don't remember them being mentioned is automotive discussions. Cycles are another new to me electrical thing. Transformer last ran 60 years ago, wonder if there is life still left inside it?

 

60 cycles in the US, 50 cycles most other places (including Aussie power). Beautifully made transformer… from back when stuff was bolted together and repairable.

Insulation inside might be a little brittle after 60 years. Mebbe get an electrician (called a sparky down here) to take a quick look in the box before connecting up to 110.

cheers,
Harv

 

Watts= voltage X amps.

 

It's all invisible that is why I'll never understand it. Maybe next year.

 

I have that same transformer as many others do, and still use it year round. Its a really good transformer and although its hard to see in the picture, most times the only thing that needs to be replaced is the power cord. Clean up the outside of it, If your not sure, look around in your areas for a train club or open house, someone there will help you

 

There are a lot of YouTube videos, and new parts on eBay. I did plug the transformer in and a green light lit up. If the red one lights up I guess you unplug it and place it outside to burn.

 

the red light bulb is probably burned out, that transformer can run two separate tracks. Move the lever on the right and the green light should come on as power goes to track and off when power is off, same with the right lever_ red light.
if you plugged it in and everything seemed good, lights on and no smell of over heating more then not its in good working condition. If you have some track and an engine, wire up a small section and give it a test. These were transformers built by Lionel to last

 

It was a good 58 years ago when the train set produced the first electrical fire I ever smelt. Took it apart and stored my first Model T down there. Does the track need to be set up in a circle to work or just a few straight links? Need to buy a new connector from the transformer to track.

 

you can do just a few straight tracks as a test, if its 3 rail track, center rail is positive

 

Thanks! That saves a lot of space.