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Transformers
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Author:  winced36 [ Thu Aug 27, 2020 10:14 am ]
Post subject:  Transformers

Okay, so what can be more mundane than a discussion on power-packs (transformers). Maybe nothing, but I've recently been chasing down a few nice ones and thought I'd start a thread here detailing the ones that I have (or those that have passed through my hands).

A recent acquisition, this refurbished Lionel 1034:
Attachment:
File comment: Lionel 1034 transformer
Lionel 1034.jpg
Lionel 1034.jpg [ 164.12 KiB | Viewed 17419 times ]
Manufactured 1948-1954, the 1034 came in sets only, and only those featuring a locomotive without whistle or horn. A handle for throttle control and a directional button, the 1034 is one of the "Trainmaster" line of transformers featuring an internal circuit-breaker. It pushes out 75 watts, which is more than adequate for the small-to-medium sized locos and a few accessories.

Author:  winced36 [ Thu Aug 27, 2020 6:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Transformers

The Lionel LW:
Attachment:
File comment: Lionel LW transformer
Lionel LW.jpg
Lionel LW.jpg [ 177.35 KiB | Viewed 17412 times ]
Another nice postwar pack, the LW cranks 125 watts, and features buttons for directional and whistle/horn control. Manufactured from 1955 to 1966, it included an internal circuit-breaker for the occasional derailment.

A nice box, I have been using this one for the loop beneath the Christmas tree. It features enough power for the largest of O-gauge up to the prewar standard gauge behemoths. In my experience, the throttle handle can be a prone to damage, but replacements are readily available.

Author:  winced36 [ Sat Aug 29, 2020 6:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Transformers

An early example of the prewar Lionel Type A transformer in as-found condition:
Attachment:
File comment: Lionel Type A transformer
Lionel A.jpg
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According to the guides, variations of the Type A were manufactured from 1921 to 1937. This is one of the earliest, having just the two posts. Producing 40 watts, with button contacts, a separately sold rheostat was required if one wanted to refine the speed of operation.

Author:  winced36 [ Mon Aug 31, 2020 11:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Transformers

A prewar Jefferson Midget, model 535-171, a transformer manufactured by the Jefferson Electric Company of Chicago:
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File comment: Jefferson Midget transformer
Jefferson Midget.jpg
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Advertised and sold for use with American Flyer, Ives, and Lionel electric trains, it produced 75 watts and featured both fixed and variable posts. Similar to the Lionel Type A, the Midget featured button contacts, making a rheostat necessary for fine-tuning the power applied to the track.

Founded in 1915, Jefferson Electric is still in business today.

Author:  winced36 [ Tue Sep 01, 2020 9:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Transformers

From the MPC era, a Lionel 4045:
Attachment:
File comment: Lionel 4045 power-pack
Lionel 4045.jpg
Lionel 4045.jpg [ 224.24 KiB | Viewed 17367 times ]
A nifty, small 45-watt pack that works well with most small O-gauge locomotives. Just two posts, can be used for either track power or accessories. Manufactured in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

Author:  winced36 [ Tue Sep 08, 2020 8:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Transformers

Another prewar Jefferson, this the 535-121 model:
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File comment: Jefferson 535-121
Jefferson transformer.jpg
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At 75 watts, a decent box for most applications. The instruction sheet lists many of the Ives, American Flyer, and Lionel prewar sets, including standard gauge. I've never tested this unit, but it looks to be in decent shape. The button-style voltage controller is on the side of the box, so a rheostat would be needed to refine the speed control.

Author:  winced36 [ Thu Oct 01, 2020 8:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Transformers

Here's a photo of Lionel's no. 81 rheostat, designed for use with the button-style transformers of the prewar era:
Attachment:
File comment: Lionel 81 rheostat
Lionel 81.jpg
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The 81 would be wired serially between the pack and the track terminal. Set the pack at one output, then use the rheostat to incrementally reduce the power applied to the track.

It is actually useful for many things, including varying the power to layout lighting. I have even used one to control the power applied to one of my soldering irons, which can make it much easier to solder delicate items.

Author:  javinda [ Tue Oct 13, 2020 6:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Transformers

I've only recently started to understand all this stuff---better late than never.....

Author:  winced36 [ Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Transformers

I don't own a Lionel ZW, but it's the undisputed king of the postwar transformers:
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File comment: Lionel ZW transformer
Lionel ZW.jpg
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This behemoth was first offered three or four years after WWII and remained in production until the mid-1960s. The first version cranked 250 watts, followed shortly by a 275-watt version. One could run two trains and power quite a few accessories with this beast. The ZW is still coveted to the current day, and they are routinely serviced and rebuilt some seventy years later, which makes finding a nice one difficult without spending some serious money. Somewhat reminiscent of the control stand of a diesel-electric locomotive, it's an impressive box.

Author:  winced36 [ Mon Mar 22, 2021 10:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Transformers

A Lionel 1041 "MultiControl" transformer, offered immediately following WWII, 1945-46. A small pack, just 60 watts, but equipped with reverse (red button) and whistle-control (brown slotted button on the right):
Attachment:
File comment: Lionel 1041 transformer
Lionel 1041.jpg
Lionel 1041.jpg [ 178.06 KiB | Viewed 14183 times ]
Despite its tall awkward appearance, a nice pack for the smaller, full-featured locomotives. These can be found very inexpensively, but make sure the cord is in good shape.

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