1033 transformer

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone, I need a little help. I have an O scale Lionel train that has a 1033 transformer. This train has been packed away since the early 60s and having just dug it out of the closet, I am not sure what to connect to each terminal. Can anyone help?

[Anonymous]

I am not sure if any of us can help because it is from the 60s but dont get me wrong. someone could know. At www.lionel.com you can email them and ask. It could take a day for them to reply though. If that doesnt work, www.google.com or www.ask.com . well, thats all I got. Oh if you can would you show me some photos of It. Also make sure that the engine and the wheels and track if so is clean. Definetly the wires and the engine.

[Anonymous]

oh and [#welcome][#welcome][#welcome] here is how to post photos http://www.past-timehobbies.com/photoposting_instruct/index.htm you can get tons of qustions answered here! have fun!

[crip]

check out the k-line track layout and accessory manual for lionel trains,pubication # mdk-4 it lists the 1033 transformer in the section two chapter on power supply. You might consider buying a new transformer.

been zapped once and that was enough!

[Anonymous]

On the 1033 directions for terminal hook-up are printed right on the face plate. Posts A and U will give you 5-16 volts. That will run your train.
Paul
PS- Check the power cord for cracks in the insulation. Many of those old Lionel cords deteriorate over the years.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the helpful tips and as soon as I get it up and running I will post some photos.

[brianel027]

Yes, check out the electrical cord. If it seems stiff or brittle, have it replaced and have the transformer checked ofer by someone who knows about them.

The Lionel 1033 in my opinion is one of the very best transformers ever made, especially for a small layout or a child's first layout. You have the A-U setting as mentioned above delivering 5-16 volts to the track, plus you have the following fixed voltages for accessories: A-B 5 volts, A-C 16 volts. You also have the B-U setting delivering 0-11 volts to the track (great for lower end DC can motored engines) plus the fixed setting of B-C delievering 11 volts.

That B-U setting is great for helping to prevent kids from running trains off the track. No other transformer made by Lionel or anyone else has this setting as to my knowledge. Most of the famouns (and not so famous) Lionel transformers start off at the lowerest setting of delivering 6 volts to the track... way too much voltage for many truck mounted DC can motored locos.

Keep the transformer, just have it looked at. It is one of the very best ever. Need more voltage.... get another 1033. I have several and it beats having one ZW and for much less money too!!

[lionelsoni]

I agree. The 1033 is a very well-designed and versatile little transformer. I use modified Zs for my layout, but I have a 1033 on my workbench.

[4kitties]

Underlining what brianel027 wrote, I use the B-U terminals to power my switching spur with auto reverse at each end. It allows me to run my Atlas SW1200RS at a very slow crawl.

[Anonymous]

If you would like a copy of Original 1033 "Multi Control" Instruction sheet,
Just send me your E-Mail address.

NC.....will send 4 pages of 1033.bmp, for use with MS Paint.

[BR60103]

Just for the record, which post connects to the outside rails and which to the inside?

[ChiefEagles]

U is common to outside rail. A or B are your variable to the inside rail.

[Buckeye Riveter]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Monto3

I am not sure if any of us can help because it is from the 60s .

[(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]

[spankybird]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Buckeye Riveter

QUOTE: Originally posted by Monto3

I am not sure if any of us can help because it is from the 60s .

[(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]

Buckeye, goes to show you the knowledge of an 11 year old. What’s the old saying, children should be seen and not heard. [;)][^]

[lionelsoni]

Frank, as long as he is running just the train, it won't matter of course which rail he connects the U terminal to. However, to use the accessory voltage in common with the track voltage, he needs to connect A or B to the outside rail. Generally the transformers with a single variable output, like the 1033, are marked in the opposite way from those with multiple outputs. This was probably instigated by the same guy at Lionel that decided to put the red signal lights on top and green on the bottom.

[Anonymous]

Hello,

Your information was very helpful. I do have one question. What gauge wire, solid or strand, should I use to connect the transformer to the track?

[lionelsoni]

The wire should always be heavy enough to carry safely the maximum current that the transformer can deliver.  For the 1033, this is about 5 amperes, requiring 20 AWG wire at a minimum.

However, for a layout, I recommend starting with heavier wire, at least 14 AWG, which will stand 15 amperes.  Even if your present transformer is small, you may get a bigger one later and will be happy not to have to rewire the layout.  And 14 and 12 AWG are cheap and easy to find, since they are extensively used for building wire.

Solid or stranded makes no electrical difference.  Use whichever you find easier to work with.

[laz 57]

There is an article on older transformers in the last issue of CTT, the one with the CHIEF on the cover fishing.

laz57