Lionel TYPE 1033

[HEdward]

A little help, please? 

We're at Oma and Opa's house and Opa(my dad)brought out from the garage, a Lionel 2-6-4 that looks even older than the Marx #666 his cousin gave me 40 years ago(I suspect it is pre-war since my in-laws have the same set but the paint on the cars is different).  Anyway, the TYPE 1033 has four terminals at the top which don't seem to be marked.  I'd like to think it would be safe to assume that the terminals by the black handle on the right side are to control the voltage to the tracks.  I'd rather be safe than sorry.  Sadly, there's no tender in the box and only two Sunoco tank cars.  The engine needs a wheel cleaning, as does the track.  I know I can make this work as the wheels do turn smoothly.  So if anyone is familiar with this item's hook-ups and operation, I would appreciate the help and advice.  Yes, I admit there are things in the universe I do not know.  For example, how to tell the 4year old twins that this train needs Daddy to work on it for a few days before it can go.  Thanks in advance for your expert help.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Joyous Boxing Day, Fun Festivus, etc, etc.

[servoguy]

 The termnals are U A B C left to right with the terminals on the side away from you and the handle pointing toward you.  Hook U and A to the lockon, and you will have 10-20 volts or thereabouts, and you can control it with the right hand handle.  The left handle is for direction and whistle control. 

 Lube the wheels on the cars and lube the engine before you run it and it will run better.  Here is an instruction manual:   http://www.thortrains.net/manualx.htm  I use 5W-20 engine oil from AutoZone and find it works just fine.  You should have this train running in an hour or so. 

 Merry Christmas

Bruce

[servoguy]

 A scotch brite pad works well to clean the track. 

[HEdward]

Thank you, Bruce!  And thank you a little more too.  I've got track at home.  Don't tell the twins, Santa is bringing them yet another Lionel Train tonight. 

[lionelsoni]

U and A are right, as Bruce told you; but he overestimated the voltage a little.  It's 5 to 16 volts.

[HEdward]

Details!  Dad printed Bruce's advice out and he'll let me know how it goes.  The boys loved their Polar Express and my wife likes it too as it will fit in well with the dept 56 display.  The instructions with that also reference U-A-B-C terminals and unless my eyes are going that bad, or the lighting around here needs upgrading, that wasn't marked either, but it is marked with "TRACK" and ACCESSORIES"  For all that money you would think the 2-8-4 that weighs more than all the gifts I got for both my birthday and Christmas the last three years combined, would have a bell.