Transformer question?

[Anonymous]

I have a bad Lionel 1033 transformer,and a post war 1950's silver union pacific Lionel set.Does anyone know what replacement transformer I can use?

[eZAK]

[#welcome] captbritt,

What is wrong with the 1033?
You maybe able to fix it your self.

"Does anyone know what replacement transformer I can use?"

If you want new check out Lionel's web http://www.lionel.com/
It then depends on what your plans for the future are.

If you just want a replacement the #6-14003 80w controller & Power House will work.

If you plan on expanding you might want to look into the 135w #6-12938 Powerstation
Or the New ZW #6-32930 which can control up to (4) 135w or 180w Powerhouses.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info-can the 1033 be fixed it has a burning smell

[eZAK]

Yes, As long as the windings are ok.

The burning smell results from an overload condition resulting in accessive heat build up.
Caused by a short or power demand.

The trans cover would need to be removed, the windings checked with an Ohm meter,
And all wires inspected for damage and replaced if nessasary.

If you don't feel comfortable doing this.....Don't!

[lionelsoni]

An ohmmeter will find a transformer-winding short circuit if a substantial number of turns are shorted; but, if only one or a few are shorted, the resistance will appear normal, although the short circuit is devastating. You need to test with ac to find out for sure whether the impedance is correct. If you want to proceed, I can make some measurements on a good 1033 for you.

However, there are lots of opportunities for short circuits outside the windings; and it wouldn't hurt to check the wiring in general first.

There are dozens of 1033s now listed on Ebay, including some new in the box.

[Roger Bielen]

If you don't feel comfortable working with electricity or want to take the chance of totally frying the trans. take it to a train shop that has a repair tech. to test it out. Sometimes a small appliance repair shop can/will check them out.

The train store I deal with also has reconditioned trans. and/or trans. from set breakups at good prices. It's worth checking on if there's one locally.

[Anonymous]

I did open the cover and all wires did seem soldered and complete with the exception of the power cord which is dry and brittel and did crack -I'm wondering if it worth the expense?I will look for a local repair tech if I dont find one -do you have a phone # of your train store?

[railfanespee4449]

If you don't feel like fixing your KW, aCW-80 is a good buy. It has 80 watts and is very reliable

[IronHoarse]

railfanespee4449, I really like your sig picture!

[Roger Bielen]

captbritt:

If your anywhere near the Athens, GA area the store I deal with is Memory Station, 706-769-8986, Business Hwy. 441 S., Watkinsville, GA 30677. Lewis is a factory direct dealer and authorized Lionel repair shop.

[Chris F]

To find a dealer/service station near you, click on this link from Lionel:

http://www.lionel.com/Dealers/Findex.cfm

Thousands of 1033's were made from 1948 to 1956. Although rated at 90 Watts, the continous output rating is 60 Watts. They are considered reliable and are very common even today. However, if you have to ask whether or not they can be repaired, you shouldn't attempt to do so yourself (IMHO).

When comparing dealer repair/sale prices and e-Bay prices, note the 2005 Greenberg's price guide values a 1033 in excellent condition at $46. If you contact a dealer to purchase a replacement 1033, your old one might have some trade-in value.

[tjsprague]

For a cheap used alternative, I'd suggest the Lionel RW. Has a bit more power than the 1033. Good ones can be had on ebay for about $40.

I've found running equipment with transformers from their era works best. The new CW doesn't activate the whistles in my postwar stuff, and the ZW I've got won't make the bells go off in my new stuff. So i run separate loops for newer and vintage equipment.

Hope that helps. Just got to do what you got to do to keep 'em running!

Tim

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the ideas -Think I'll look for a cheap RW on e-bay now how do I hook it up as the rw has more terminals than the 1033?

[Chris F]

The RW transformer is rated for 110W, 70W continuous. Greenberg's 2005 price guide shows $38 (good cond.) and $65 (exc. cond.). Offered from 1948 to 1954, it would be about the same age as your 1033. If buying thru the net, make sure it has been reconditioned (especially the power cord).

For wiring to the track, you can use terminal U as common (outside rail) and terminal B as hot (center rail) to provide 6-16V variable Voltage. Alternately, you can use terminal B as common and terminal U as hot to provide 6-16V variable Voltage, plus have 16V fixed Voltage available from terminal D.