Lionel Type H Transformer

[rlbarnard]

Thought you might like to hear about an unusual transformer I got with my first train set: It is a Lionel Type H. It was designed to run on 25 to 40 cycle electricity and has a capacity of 75 watts. I grew up in western NY, which at the time had 25-cycle electricity from Niagara Falls. When Niagara Mohawk came around after WW II to convert everyone over to 60 cycles, they were giving kids new transformers for their trains--EXCEPT ME!! Because mine could operate at 40 cycles they felt that it way good enough at 60 cycles.

I still have the transformer (and the train set) and use it to power a few accessories. The locomotive is Columbia 2-4-2 (Lionel 229 made in 1941). The cars are passenger cars.

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[wrmcclellan]

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Interesting. I went to check one of my Greenburg per-war books and there is a note that only the 110-120 VAC 60 cycle transformers are listed as the others have "little or no value." I knew the NY area had the lower cycles AC as the original NIagara Falls power plants were built this way (along with DC - the old Edison vs Westinghouse fight!).

Thanks for the bit of history!

Regards,
Roy

[rlbarnard]

Roy,

Yes, some years ago I looked in Greenberg's price book and could not find they type H transformer. If I remember correctly the type H looks like a type R.

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