Transformer and Scale Question

[Anonymous]

I am dusting off an old Lionel set I received way back (1967) when for my son to use. I have a couple of questions:

1-How can I tell what scale the set is? HO, O, ???? Is there a way to tell by looking at any of the cars or am I missing something? I'd like to buy some additional cars but need to know what scale to narrow my search to...

2-The existing transformer doesn't work very well. It is a "Type 1073", 120 volt, 80 watts I think. I have looked on EBay for one, but have seen every type but that (1033, 1053, 1063, etc)....My question is where can I find a replacement, will other "Types" work with my set, and are there new transformers that will work with my old set, and if so, what should I look for?

Thx for any help with this.....[8D]

[Anonymous]

It's an O gauge set. You don't see too many 80 watt HO transformers in starter sets. You can use any 80-100 watt AC output transformer you can find. Here is a 1073 on E-Bay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6016445406&category=19149


This unit is "rated" the old way, by how much power it consumes, aka 80 watts. It can only put 60 watts on the track. Newer transformers are rated by what they can produce on the output side rather than by what they consume. K-Line, Lionel, MTH all have nice reasonably priced low end/starter transfomers.

[lionelsoni]

The gauge is probably O. Measure the distance between the inside edges of the outside rails. It should be 1 1/4 inches. Your set may be designated "O27", which is the same gauge but with lighter-duty track and cheaper, probably undersized, locomotive and cars. If you tell us the numbers on the locomotive and cars, we can give you more information about the set.

Here is service information about your transformer:
http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/ho/d1043a.pdf

It is actually a 60-watt transformer. The 1033 would be an excellent replacement.

[Anonymous]

looked at the cars...here are some #'s

Locomotive - #2029

US Mail Railway Post Office Car - #6428

Pennsylvania Caboose - #6437

any idea on the set? does this confirm the scale? if i want to buy some cars for xmas for my son, do i just buy lionel cars on ebay for example, or do i need to get HO or O Scale.....also, if I were going to look for a "cool" older complete set, any ideas on what to buy or where to buy it......I'm getting quite an education!

Robert AKA "The Novice".....

[Anonymous]

You can use any "traditional" or O-27 sized pieces. I don't believe there were any catalogs for 1967 but a lot of sets were "uncataloged" anyway. Enjoy your trains.

[BR60103]

Check your library for books on Lionel collecting. Ours files them under 625.19.
Most Lionel should be compatible except for the very large stuff which won't go around your curves. The new catalogs usually show a minimum curve.
You'll probably want to use the smaller cars so that they look in proportion to your trains.
MTH, K-line and WIlliams and some others make compatible equipment.

[Chris F]

The 2029 (1964-1966) was included in only two cataloged sets, 11500 and 11510, neither of which contained the other cars you have. The 6428 was cataloged from 1960-1966, while the 6437 went from 1961-1968. I suspect yours was an uncataloged set made by Lionel for a department store chain or similar retailer.

The 1073 was first offered in 1961, and, as Bob noted, was rated for 60 Watts. It didn't have a whistle button, so I'm guessing the tender with your 2029 was the 1060T, which did not have a whistle.

Information on the contents of uncataloged sets is rare. If you don't get a specific answer, consider getting additional cars from the mid-sixties (there are plenty of them out there), or current "traditional-sized" Lionel cars.

[Anonymous]

When you say "the transformer is'nt working very well", how do you know it's the transformer and not the engine? My advice is to take the engine to a train store that has a layout and test it. You may as well not spend money on something you don't need. You may, in the long run, be better off buying a new $150.-$200. "starter set" in O gauge, and decide after the Holidays what you want to do with the old items. Joe

[1688torpedo]

Hello Joe ! Your 2029 Steam Engine has the dubious distinction of being made in Japan when that meant cheap merchandise! The Front & rear Truck Frames were made of a Bronze Colored Metal and the Axle Bushings were usually loose on these engines.Plus, The Japanese used oversized Philips Screws for the Front Truck. Be aware that loose bushings can cause the Drivewheels to come out of Alignment and Jam the Gears.Take it to a Lionel Dealer and have the 2029 looked at for sure.The first production run of the 2029 was from 1963-65. After that, In 1966 The 2029 and other components for engines such as Reverse units were made in Japan. The 1963-65 versions are the good ones to own as they were made in the Old Factory at Hillside,NJ . Take Care.

[phillyreading]

Are any train shows nearby to where you live? If so you can usually get an inexpensive transformer there that will work fine. You may want a two train transformer as you may expand one day and not have a power unit. My advice is to stay away from the new transformers unless you have a good knowledge of electricity as the ratings and other claims are very confusing to some one just starting out in the hobby.