ac/dc

[Anonymous]

I just received my first box of 1950's loinel trains I got on ebay. there was a small d/c transformer in the box {not lionel}. will this run the trains or should I be using an a/c transformer?

[lionelsoni]

What locomotives do you have? Lionel did make some that ran only on DC. On the other hand, those that run on AC will run on DC too--but the whistle, if any, will blow continuously.

[dwiemer]

John,
As mentioned above, it depends on the motor of the particular locomotive. I would try to get a new transformer anyway. Something that will handle the load and have a fast blow fuse should you have a short. Keep the old DC transformer as this would be good for lights, etc. Take care, Dennis

[csxt30]

This may not be too relevent, but I have the Crayola train & it is I believe DC, but I had it running on AC. hOPE i don't burn it up, though.
Thanks, John

[ben10ben]

John,
The Crayola train can run okay on DC, as it has an e-unit with an integrated rectifier. You only run into problems with older cheap engines that have no e-unit, such as the engine in the LASER train.

[csxt30]

Thanks Ben ! I often wondered about this one & wanted to keep it going for the Grandkids.
Thanks again, John

[Anonymous]

thanks guys. The loco runs on the dc unit but not much power. I am sure the d/c unit is weak. 1 extra light bulb lit will slow the train down. I have a couple of 40"s/50's transformers coming I think 80 or 90w. I also purchased a new cw80. can't wait to get them.

[lionelsoni]

The DC power supply probably puts out the voltage suitable for HO trains, which is 12 volts. Lionel transformers generally put out at least 16 volts; and the older ones go up to 25. As you have found, 12 volts is enough to move the locomotive without much of a load; but more would be better. A good replacement would be the 1033, a well-designed and durable postwar transformer that is not very hard to find at a reasonable price.