It's old, but it works! (cannot say the same about myself)

[stebbycentral]

A month or so back I picked up a used AF locomotive and some cars at a local train show.  As I bought the items piecemeal, there was no track or powerpack included.  Track was easy to locate, I bought modern snap-track from S-Helper.  The powerpack was something else, AF powerpacks are few and far between, the most common ones for sale being the big multiple train units that sell for $100-$200.  After a vigerous internet search I finally located the item I wanted at Trainz.com.  They advertised a 75-watt, model # 2, AF transformer, which they claimed was sealed in the factory box, for $35. 

I was skeptical.  I mean really, who would believe that this thing sat around some where, unopened, for 60+ years.  I half expected to open it and find sombody's remanufactured or used unit.  But Thursday it arrived, and it was just as advertised.

The case is in mint condition, the inspection slip says it was packed in December, 194(blob).  The original instruction booklet was also in the box.  Only one problem.  You know what an old rubber power cord looks like after it's been sealed in a box for 60 years?  This is what it looks like:

So I opened it up and replaced the old cord with a new applicance cord.  While I had it open, I inspected the workings.  Despite the condition of the power cord, the internal wiring which was covered in woven-cloth insulation, is pristene.  Tonight I fired up my locomotive for the first time.  Might have to do some finagling with the e-unit, the locomotive only runs in one direction.  Fortunately it's forward!

 

[brianel027]

Stebby, outside of the power cord, that is a beauty! A real cream-puff as they say. Congratulations!

I just picked up a used Lionel 1033 (that looks hardly used) as a back up, that is in better condition than the one I've been using for 15 years.

I'm no fan of all the high end tech trains, but I do have to admit the internet makes finding old trains, parts and information so much easier than it ever has been. That's one element of technology I do like.

[dwiemer]

I have found some really nice items at good prices at Trainz.  You do need to look though.
Dennis