Transformer terminal question...

[Anonymous]

Hi all... New guy here. My wife got me (over Ebay) and 1950's ear Lionel train very similar to the one I had as a child... The transformer as near as I can recall is exactly the same... Red lever on the left for whistle and direction, and black lever on the right to operate the train...

There are 4 terminals on the transformer, and two wires coming from the track, one wire from the middle rail and the other from the outer rail... I've tried several combinations of trying to find the right order in hooking the wires up but am having no luck... If I call (from left to right) the terminals A B C D could anyone tell me which wire should go to which terminal? Thanks a bunch in advance... Dave

[Anonymous]

Use post AU.

The transformer you describe is a 1033, which was packed with many good O27 sets in the 1950s. It's a reliable transformer, but since it puts out only 90 watts, once you start adding accessories and lights, you'll want to quickly graduate to a more powerful unit. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply... You're correct, the transformer is a 1033, and from left to right the terminals are marked U A B C... I managed to get that part figured out, but it turned out that there was another problem... The little slide-switch on the engine is very loose and not making good contact... The slightest bump either stops the engine completely, or just leaves it setting there buzzing or trying to go backwards... Guess I'll need to try to clean that contact area and figure out a way to firm it up so it's not so loose...

Any suggestions in that area would also be appreciated... Thanks again... Dave