40 Watt transformer

[usher40351]

I brought a used 40 watt transformer with 3 Electrical post with no screws fro St. Vincent De Paul thrift store earlier this week. I tink its a american flyler transformer and it shows its made by AC Gilbert. Can i used it to run lionel trains. Gary

[Timboy]

 

[servoguy]

Gary, The transformer is rather small, but if you use it for a small engine with a few cars and no accessories or lighted cars, it will work. My first Lionel Scout had a 35 watt transformer which would run a Scout engine OK. It won't run a dual motor diesel. At 40 watts input to the transformer, you will be doing well to get 2 amps out at 15 volts. That isn't much. Also, I think the AF transformers had a lower voltage than the Lionel transformers, so that means the train isn't going to go very fast. Bruce Baker

[Timboy]

 

[servoguy]

How about using a Marx transformer on an AF layout? Bruce Baker

[Timboy]

 

[Ole Timer]

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[servoguy]

Hey, Timboy, If you are looking for a disposal site for Lionel stuff, I can give you my address and you can mail it to me and i will dispose of it properly. I may run it for a few years before I dispose of it, however. 55 years ago, when I was a kid, a good friend had some American Flyer. He had a table in his basement, and we used to play with it after school. I always liked it a lot. It was a lot closer to scale than the Lionel stuff I had. However, I am still addicted to Lionel, but when time and space permit, I am likely going to buy some American Flyer just based on my childhood experience. Bruce Baker

[Timboy]

 

[phillyreading]

That sounds like the A.F. transformer # 8B. It has a 15 volt constant and a 7 to 15 volt variable output on it. Currently I am using one like that to power my Gargraves switches.

Lee F.

[phillyreading]

Timboy

 No, but I like Marx trains.  There is something very quaint about them.  I sometimes wish I had two train rooms; one for American Flyer and one for Marx.  Oh, and a deep pit outside for Lionel.

I don't have that much dislike for Lionel, just a few of their products like the 6-23010 switches because these should have been recalled for enginering defects!!

I use caution when buying anything train related.

Lee F.

[Timboy]