I will preface this post with the statement that I am not a serious train collector or hobbyist (I could be, but other collections and hobbies occupy too much space already). I got into this because my wife wanted a train to go around the Christmas tree. What has happened is that want to mix this up a bit each year to keep it fresh.
Several years ago I acquired a Union Pacific passenger train with the 'coupe' locomotive. I do not have the number at this time, however I had found out that it was from 1937 (supposedly). I would love to run this train. A friend of mine helped me clean the brushes and some other stuff, but I did not have an AC transformer (just the DC 'Mickey's Christmas' transformer). I now have a couple of AC transformers, but the locomotive will not run. The whistle will not work either. These transformers are small, but I would think that the engine alone should at least move with one of those....
Where is a good resource for troubleshooting this thing?
I'm not familiar with either the locomotive nor the "DC transformer". But prewar trains generally want more voltage than later trains. What transformers do you have?
Bob Nelson
One transformer is marked 40 watts, the other I'll have to check again. It is with a set from 1989 that I picked up at a local thrift store so it is likely not any better...
I will try and post pictures of the train. I also have a box with three buttons on it toactivate other stuff....
Look for model numbers on the transformers.
I will try and report back tomorrow. Thanks!
The older transformer I have is a Type 1015. It is marked "40 watts".
The newer one is a Type 4851. It indicates that it puts out voltage in both AC and DC.
I need to dig out the old train to take a picture and get the engine number. last year I had taken just the motor out of the old engine and put it on the track. It made noise but would not move.
The engine is a 636E. Here is a link to a train on Ebay just like mine: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380190196052&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en
So the question I have is, what do I need to run this train?
wambus The engine is a 636E. Here is a link to a train on Ebay just like mine: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380190196052&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en So the question I have is, what do I need to run this train?
Love my Lionel Catalog collection, can not collect trains without them.
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Lionel 1936 to 1939 --- Catalog set #299W -- Union Pacific "City Of Denver" --- #636W Power Car, two #637 Coaches, #638 Obsevation
Lionel Recomended Transformer: "Type Q": 75 Watts, 8 to 18 Volts AC
Lionel Recomended for added capacity "Type R": 100 Watts, 0 to 25 Volts AC
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Your train runs on AC (DC will interfere with the Whistle), any AC transformer of 75 Watts or more, that puts out 18 volts, will work fine.
Don U. TCA 73-5735
Just to follow up, is it normal that my current (no pun intended) transformers would not make it run?
Thanks so much for the help, by the way....
Please, please forgive my ignorance.
Will a type RW work? How about a 1033? I am looking for a Q or R, but only have found an RW and noe that is listed as an R110???? so far; so I would like to know what other transformers will run the train to give myself options....
A 1015 transformer should be rated at 45 watts, not 40. Are you sure you read the numbers correctly?
If it is a 1015, it puts out a maximum of 15 volts, which is very likely too little for your locomotive. If it is a 1014, which is a 40-watt transformer, it puts out even less, 13 volts.
Although the 1033 is an excellent small transformer for many purposes, it is limited to 16 volts and likely not a good match for your locomotive either. I think you should look for at least 20 volts, perhaps a KW, VW, ZW, V, or Z. The "R110" is probably just an R. There was an R220 model, meant for a 220-volt input. "R110" is probably an attempt to distinguish R from R220. That would also be a reasonable choice.
I think the 4851 is a DC-only supply. Does it have more than 2 terminals?
I found a transformer that is a Type RW. It has only one lever, but two buttons (whistle and direction?). Will this work for me?
The RW goes up to 19 volts, which might be enough.
I stumbled onto another thread on this board where someone posted a breakdown of output voltages for various transformers. I think i'll choose the Optimus Prime unit...oh, wait, different transformer... (yuk, yuk). It is just what I needed to compliment the info you all have posted here.
here is the link; you need to copy and paste mine...
Thanks again
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