Lionel pre-war type "T" transformer

[LocoPops]

I have an old pre-war 100-watt type "T" transformer.  Used it for accessories years ago, but its been sitting since.  I gave it a new power cord.  Voltage on all posts tested OK.   I  hooked it up to a track, and at the lowest variable voltage (maybe 5 volts) the locomotive flew.  Had I not immediately shut it down, it would have landed on the other side of the room.  And this was just a little scout steamer.

I never tried to run a train with this transformer before.  Anybody have any ideas what is happening here?

Thanks. 

 

[lionelsoni]

What terminals were you using?

[LocoPops]

What terminals were you using?

A and U.

[lionelsoni]

That would give you 17 to 25 volts.  No wonder your locomotive behaved that way!

Try B and U, for 10 to 18 volts; or C and U, 2 to 10 volts.

[LocoPops]

Bob,

I don't have any documentation for a "T" transformer.  I just hooked it up like the newer stuff.  It sounds like the "T" transformer is different.  Or is this rather a characteristic of pre-war transformers?

 

[lionelsoni]

There is a long list of terminal combinations and voltages on the nameplate, as you might imagine is necessary with the 9 terminals of the T.  In case the fine print of yours is illegible, here is what mine says:

C TO D 2 VOLTS
C TO E 4 VOLTS
C TO F 6 VOLTS
C TO G 8 VOLTS
C TO H 10 VOLTS
B TO C 8 VOLTS
B TO D 10 VOLTS
B TO E 12 VOLTS
B TO F 14 VOLTS
B TO G 16 VOLTS
B TO H 18 VOLTS
A TO B 7 VOLTS
A TO C 15 VOLTS
A TO D 17 VOLTS
A TO E 19 VOLTS
A TO F 21 VOLTS
A TO G 23 VOLTS
A TO H 25 VOLTS

VOLTAGES OBTAINED WHEN USING SWITCH
C TO U - 2-4-6-8-10 VOLTS
B TO U - 10-12-14-16-18 VOLTS
A TO U - 17-19-21-23-25 VOLTS

[LocoPops]

Bob,

No, I can't make out the writing on mine.   Thank you for the list.