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lionel kw transformer problem

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  • Member since
    September 2011
  • 2 posts
Posted by ogaryd on Sunday, September 18, 2011 8:36 PM

I wanted to thank everyone for their help. I 've got the transformer running and even ran some of my wall hangers on it.  Gary

  • Member since
    July 2009
  • 951 posts
Posted by servoguy on Sunday, September 18, 2011 7:11 PM

When you had the case off of the KW, did you check the rollers for proper operation?  The rollers wear out due to use, and the arms that carry them can become quite distorted due to heat.  The power from the A and B controls goes through the whistle control, and if the switches in the whistle control are dirty, you may end up with no power on the output of the transformer.  The copper oxide rectifier used in the whistle control is not working, the transformer will still work but the whistle control will not.

How did you test the transformer?

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • 993 posts
Posted by gunrunnerjohn on Sunday, September 18, 2011 10:37 AM

I have replaced the selenium rectifier in a number of transformers with diodes, including a KW.  However, as others have said, the power cord has nothing to do with any DC, as that is only active when you activate the whistle.

You might benefit from the maintenance manual for the KW: http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=657

NOTE: The Olsen site is currently down, which is a common occurrence on weekends, it'll most likely be back up tomorrow.  This happens about 25% of the time on weekends.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Hobart, In
  • 568 posts
Posted by jwse30 on Sunday, September 18, 2011 5:43 AM

Welcome to the forum! As this was your first post, you may be new to Lionel trains. If that's the case, you may not realize that these trains run on AC voltage, not DC. The only DC you should find in that KW would be off the whistle controller(s).

I've never studied my KW's whistle circuit, but it likely has a disc rectifier that could be replaced with something a bit more modern if it isn't working. I'm hoping someone a bit more familiar with the unit will chime in with more specifics. I don't use my KW to power trains, therefore I've never tried the whistle controller.

 

Hope this helps,

 

J White

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 1,340 posts
Posted by Seayakbill on Sunday, September 18, 2011 5:11 AM

Was the KW working A-OK before replacing the cord ?

As J stated, just replacing the cord would not interfer with the other internal power connectors.

Bill T.

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • 755 posts
Posted by Juniatha on Sunday, September 18, 2011 1:35 AM

Well , if I may dare a blindfold guestimate :

it doesn't look like it's the cord ...

Might help to offer more details about the transformer ?

Good luck !

=  J =

  • Member since
    September 2011
  • 2 posts
lionel kw transformer problem
Posted by ogaryd on Saturday, September 17, 2011 10:15 PM

hello, I just replaced the power cord on a kw transformer and it only puts out 0-20 volts ac, no dc voltage, does anyone have an idea what may be wrong? I didnt test voltage before replacing the cord or use this transformer before, thanks gary

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