Lionel Type 1042 transformer

[Anonymous]

Hello, I just dug out my Dad's old Lionel. I think it's from the 1930s but not certain. The transformer says Type 1042 and has 3 terminals/connections labeled A, B and U. The track connection has 4 screw connections that are unlabeled. Could anyone help me out here with the connection and the age of the train???

My Dad passed away a few years back and I'm trying to "renovate" this train for when my 6 month old son is old enough to understand that this was Grandpa's train.

Thanks!!!

[dwiemer]

Ogealbhain,
One word of caution, you should have the transformer checked out by a train repair person. Often the cords dry-rot and can be a hazard. Also, while you are at it, have the locomotive and if it is a whistle tender cleaned and lubed. After they get the first round done, the folks on this board are great to answer any questions you may have with taking care of and getting you going with your set. Welcome to the hobby and forum, Dennis

[Anonymous]

Dennis,

Thanks! Yes, the cord is dry-rotted for sure! Would any hobby shop be a good starting point or is there some type of specific shop I should look for?

It does have a whistle.

Thanks!

Jim (Ogealbhain)

[dwiemer]

Jim,
I am not sure of the places around you. If at all possible, look for one close by as it would be good to have a resource that you can just stop in. A number of guys on this forum are from Ohio, and perhaps they can recommend someone. Not all hobby shops have a train repair person. I would think that most Train stores would have either someone in house, or someone close by. If you put another post asking for someone in the Columbus area to respond with a repair shop, I am sure you will get some feedback. Good Luck, Dennis

[Anonymous]

Dennis, Thanks! Did some looking online and found a close, exclusively train shop. I'll be stopping by there this week. Thanks again for the help!

Jim

[Chris F]

Jim, the 1042 was available 1946-1948, but may have been available as early as 1939.

Only two wires should be connected to the track to run the train. A track with four connectors would be for remote control of operating cars. If I'm reading the schematic correctly, connecting wires from Terminal A to one outside rail and terminal U to the center rail will give a variable voltage of 8.5-14.5V. Connecting terminals B and U to the track would provide a variable voltage of 5.5-11.5V.

Before spending a lot on this transformer, check the following reference from the Lionel service instructions:

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=645

Note that the recommended maximum voltage is 115V. Power supplies these days typically are in the 120-125V range, higher than they were when the 1042 was made. I suspect running this transformer at 120-125V will be okay as long as the power draw is no more than 60 watts, but it will be especially important to be certain that the circuit breaker is operating properly.

[Anonymous]

Chris,

Thanks! Very helpful! I'm guessing there is a good chance my Dad got the train earlier than 1946. From 1946-48 he was in the Mediteranean serving in the Navy.

Thanks again!

Jim

[Chris F]

[oops] I forgot all about the train and was concentrating on the transformer. If you post the numbers on the loco and cars, we should be able to identify when they were made, and perhaps even the set they came in.

[Anonymous]

Chris,

The engine has 221 on the side of it, but that's the only number I can locate. Whistle car says 221-W. Is that what you need?

Thanks! Jim

[BR60103]

Jim: you should have a device called a "lockon" for making the connnection to the tracks -- it has 2 terminals and clips onto the track. Your train shop can sell you a modern one.
The track with 4 terminals sounds like a control/uncoupling track. There should be a black box with 2 buttons (uncouple and unload) that operates it. There are instructions and wiring diagrams on olsens toys web site -- look for UCS (if yours is O gauge).

[Chris F]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Ogealbhain

Chris,

The engine has 221 on the side of it, but that's the only number I can locate. Whistle car says 221-W. Is that what you need?

Thanks! Jim

221? - Cool! Your locomotive is a 2-6-4 Dreyfuss-style streamlined locomotive. Gray versions are from 1946, while black versions are from 1947. The "W" designation on the sheet-metal New York Central tender indicates it includes a whistle.

To learn more about the 221, UCS remote control track, locomotive maintenance, and more, start here:
http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/library.htm
Even if you don't want to any of the work yourself, it's fun to get an idea of how things are supposed to work.

The 221 with 221W came in four sets:
(1946) 1400W Passenger Set, 1403W Freight Set
(1947) 1432W Passenger Set, 1433W Freight Set

Both passenger sets included two blue 2430 pullman cars and one 2431 observation car.

Both freight sets included a 2411 Lionel Lines pipe car, a 2465 Sunoco oil tank car, and a 2472 Pennsylvania caboose.

Your Dad's train set wasn't from the 30's, but that just shows you're never too old to play with Lionel trains!

[Anonymous]

Chris,

Thanks for the info! I may attempt the repairs myself but am concerned about "messing" things up.

I'll have to ask my Mom about the train. My Dad was born in 1928 and in 1946 graduated high school and went into the Navy and was gone 46-48. Now, my grandfather worked on the B&O...so maybe he was into the trains too.

It's the freight model and have the Sunoco oil car and Pipe car but no caboose. Like the art deco look of the engine, that's for sure!

Any clues on where to get replacement parts for models like this? Specifically, contact shoes. Thanks!

Anyway, thanks for the help!!!!

Jim

[Chris F]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Ogealbhain

Any clues on where to get replacement parts for models like this? Specifically, contact shoes. Thanks!
Jim

Sure - Olsen's Toy Trains! I purchase from them as a way of thanking them for providing the Library. They have the contact shoes (1661-33) for 95 cents each. Otherwise, go to Lionel's website ( www.lionel.com ) to see if there is a Lionel service center near you.

Before you order parts, check out the rest of the loco. You might need replacement brushes, springs, headlight bulb, etc.

[Anonymous]

Chris,

Thanks!

Something that might interest you: I was referred by one train shop and one hobby shop to a local guy who does old Lionel repairs. I think that's all he does. Anyway, I got ahold of him and he said the 221 was pre-war and post-war. They built it before the war but stopped and then picked it up again in 1946. He said he's been doing this for 35 years and knows this for a fact. So, he said it was definitely on the market in the 1930s. Anyway, that could explain the timeline discrepancy with my Dad.

Anyway, thanks for all your help! This is interesting stuff...a world I never knew existed!

Jim