A couple of general questions

[237 Lionel]

Greetings,

                   I am new to this hobby having discovered my old Lionel 237 from childhood, a flatcar w/logs and a few pieces of 027 track in a box in the attic. I have been on a mission getting stuff off of ebay to make it work again. I bought some 0 gauge track, deciding not to use the 027, and a 45 watt transformer and an extra engine and tender. Everything works fine, especially the old 237 engine. I would like to get some modern o gauge stuff and mix them on a 4 X 8 layout. I have some questions that I am sure you folks can answer so thank you in advance and please pardon my ignorance.

1.  Will the older trains run okay on the new fastrack and will newer ones run on the old tubular 3 rail track?

2.  And if so, will they run okay with a modern, more powerful transformer without damaging the older engines? Will new stuff work with the older transformers?

[SSW9389]

Try your question on the Classic Toy Trains Forum. This forum is about real trains. Good luck.

[challenger3980]

Hi Lionel 237,

 1. Yes, the trains will run fine on either track, so long as your curves are large enough for the equipment you plan to run.

  2. Yes, they should run fine with modern and/or more powerful transformers. The "More Powerful" modern transformers will put out more amps, but your engine will only use as much amperage as it needs. Some of the older Transformers put out more voltage (as much as 25 volts) than the newer ones do now (generally 18 volts max) Higher voltage would be what you would be concerned with damaging your equipment. This should not be a Big concern though, as voltage controlls the Speed of the train, and you likely wouldn't be able to run your train through most curves at a high enough voltage to damage it, so this would likely be self-preserving in this case. The New stuff should work fine with the old transformers, again the higher voltages in some is something to keep in mind. Many newer Locomtives will have whistles/horns and bells, that many older transformers won't have the controls to use these with, this wont hurt anything, you just may have some functions that you wont be able to use. Using some of the older transformers with higher max voltages becareful with light bulbs and accessories and track switches. Most high voltage transformers either had multiple variable voltage outputs for this reason, or had lower voltage fixed voltage outputs for these uses.

  3.  For any Future questions , let me invite you over to the CLASSIC TOY TRAINS forum, where you will get more people familiar with these issues, as this forum CLASSIC TRAINS, is for the discussion of REAL trains.We have many knowledgeable people over at the CTT forum, including but not limited to Lionelsoni (Bob Nelson) who has an incredible Knowledge of electrical things, most beyond my own comprehension.

Merry Christmas to All,

Doug

[237 Lionel]

Doug,

            Thanks for the sound advice. I will take it. Forgive me my ignorance of how the site works. I will stay in the TOY forum from now on. I may come back to this forum and read up a little... My Grandfather was a telegraph operator and Depot manager up and down the old Southern RR from South Pittsburg Tn. to Florence Al. He worked for them for 49 years and was operating the telegraph in Decatur w/headset when lightning hit the wire and then went through his body and out of his fingertips. He never was the same and had to retire. He worked from 1915 - 1964. The stories he could tell and the Locomotives he must have seen! I remember he regretted not getting his 50 year service pin, a diamond. The train set belonged to him, I got it when he passed away. Now you see why I don't want to damage it!  Thanks!........Doug

[challenger3980]

237 Lionel,

  Glad to help out another Doug, (or anyone else ) It is understandable that you wouldn't want to damage it. Lots of interesting topics in all these forums, Happy that You joined the group. Enjoy all the forums, and again if you have any questions about your Lionel Trains, there is a very good chance that someone over at the CT&T forum will be able to help. It sounds as if You may have some stories that others may enjoy as well, Sorry to hear about you losing your Grandfather, Hopefully the Lionel set will always bring back Fond memories of Him.

Merry Christmas to All,

Doug