Newbie question about track / transformer

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I hope this is not off-topic and please forgive my ignorance. I recently acquired a train set when my father-in-law passed away. The set includes a Lionel engine #224. The train is in pretty rough shape but I'd like to keep it for sentimental reasons and because it's cool but I don't know anything about trains. Can I discard the old track and the "Type R 100 watt" transformer and simply replace them with new items? The transformer looks like it might electrify the operator along with the track.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

im the expert on the R. sometimes they may look scary, but they won't bite! The wiring is tricky.You can still use them both. inspect the cord and plug, looking for any bare wire.[xx(]
heres how you wire it

(diagram)

A B C

D E F

The C and F are the grounds for one of the handles. one of these is conected to the #2 on the lockon. If the sleeve under the knobs isn't worn, you will see that it says.. contols A-C, B-C, and the other knob would say .....controls A-F, B-F. if you connect the #2 wire to the F terminal, you will control the train with the knob that says ...controls A-F,B-F.

For the hot terminal try the B, it goes from 8-24 volts, perfect for the #224 motor. connect a wire fom B to #1 on the lockon. And your set to rule the rails!!!

Any more questions?[#welcome][#welcome][8D]

[Dave Farquhar]

Jeff, Jerry has some good advice, but if you're more comfortable using modern track and transformers, yes, you can replace them with modern items. New tubular track sells for $1-$2 per section. You probably will want to replace the track if it shows signs of rust. Sometimes rusty track cleans up with some fine-grit sandpaper and a lot of work, but when I was rescuing my dad's setup from the early '50s, I found I had to replace about half of his track.

I hope you have fun with your father-in-law's old train.

[ben10ben]

Look your transformer over good. If you see any major signs of rust on the bottom, throw it away. Also, there should be 2 handles, again reason to examine it. If the cord is cracking, you need to either replace it yourself or take it somewhere to have it replaced. Also be sure to test the circuit breaker. To do this, short terminals B and C with the throttle set about halfway. The breaker should open(red light come on) in no less than 3 seconds, and no more than 10. If it's out of this range, have it replaced. If the top metal plate is worn, you can easily get self-adhesive replacements.

[spankybird]

Hi Jeff,
Welcome to the CTT Forum



tom

[ChiefEagles]

Welcome to the forum. [#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]

[Anonymous]

Thank you all for the good advice. The track does have some rust but the transformer appears to be salvagable -- now that I know what to look for and what all those letters mean. Thanks again.