Lionel transformers

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I have a Midnight Express train set with 040T (8512) engine and a very inexpensive transformer. It works great but when I try to run it with a Southern Express train set transformer that runs a 240 (8302) engine and was made by Fundimensions the 040T starts to run then stops and quitely hums. Will I be able to run the040T with another kind of transformer?
Thanks
Bob

[brianel027]

Bob, the #8302 steam engine was made with an open frame AC current type of motor. The transformer with that set puts AC current to the track. On the other hand your #8512 has a DC can motor instead... nothing wrong with that, but it was made to run on DC current to the track, like the little cheap HO power pack that you got with that set.

Attempting to run the Docksider with the transformer provided with your Southern Express set will cause damage to the Midland Freight set Docksider... you could end up burning out the motor. On the other hand, you CAN run locos like your Southern Express one with an DC power pack.

The simpliest thing to do is just to run each engine with it's perspective transformer or power pack. You could go to Radio Shack and get a full wave bridge rectifier to install between the wires of your AC transformer and the track. The rectifier will convert the AC current of the transformer to DC current, allowing you to run the Docksider. But chances are the Docksider will run very fast on it's own (no load attached, no train cars) because of the higher minimum current output of those smaller Lionel transformers... they usually start at a minimum of 6 volts to the track.

I run both AC and DC. I use the Lionel 1033 transformer with the B-U voltage post settings (0-11 volts to the track) with a throw switch for AC or DC: the DC position of the throw switch has the full wave bridge rectifier wired in.

You could also look for a bigger more powerful DC power pack to use. MRC makes some that are designed for "G" scale trains, that have a lot of amperage and power, and will run your trains just fine. You CAN run your Southern Express loco with a DC power source... but the DC power pack provided with your Midland Freight set doesn't have much reserve power to run your other loco... it might do it, but definetely nothing more than the loco. No other lighted cars. I know the DC power pack won't be able to do that. Or try looking for a used MRC power pack that is at least 3 amps... they are out there.

I know there are lots of guys wo wish Lionel hadn't made the DC sets. Certainly it does confuse newcomers or novices. The newer engines will control and Railsounds won't run on the DC current. But running the DC can motored locos with DC current does make them run better, at least in my experience.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Brian. Does your answer mean I could possibly hook up my DC set with a DCC such as NCE and Soundtraxx for sound if I chose? I like Soundtraxx

Bob

[brianel027]

Bob, I don't know about that one. I prefer off-board sound and conventional control. I like the concept of the MRC Sound Station 312... one moderate investment and you have a variety of sounds for everything. Granted, it's not in sync like Railsounds. But it's not the expense or hassle either. And on a room sized layout, the off board sounds work just fine.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Brianel. For better for worse, I'm leaning toward synchronized sounds (and hassle) with a lot of railside W signs and whistle stop stations. And, perhaps, a diesel with a three chime horn blowing appropriate signals at appropriate locals. The hassle might be in getting my small sized engines with their short wheel base to constantly pass through switches without stopping or slowing. What is your experience with switches and kinds?

I was also thinking of purchasing a heavyweight combine, baggage and observation car seconds for a passenger consist. After that, I thought I could cobble several different inexpensive freight loads for the flats, hoppers and gons.

Thanks again.

Bob

[brianel027]

Bob, I use 027 track so I can't say how things work with other track. Probably no worse though. I don't know how short the wheelbase is on your locos, but I have mostly smaller engines like K-Line Alco FA's, S2's, MP-15's, Lionel Alco's, NW2's, Industrial Switchers, etc. I don't have any problems. I have cobbed with my Lionel 027 turnouts very heavily, but have also added additional feeder wires. I keep the track clean and keep engine wheels clean too.

On the Lionel Industrial Switcher (which I have messed around with extensively) I remove the traction tire and add an insulation strip made of mylar placed between the axle and the roller pickup since I have found some turnouts and UC tracks cause the pickup roller to make contact with the wheel axle.

On the above mentioned K-Line locos I remove one traction tire of the two on each motored truck and adhere the remaining one with 3M Carpet Tape. The traction tires can interfere a little with electrical contact. But overall, just keep the track as clean as you can and periodically clean the wheels of your engines using 91% Isopropyl Alcohol - which works great.

[Anonymous]

Thanks.

Bob