ucs track / transformer question

[CharlesAZ]

First,  thanks in advance for any help. I am new to all this having just received my fathers old 1950 lionel set. It is a very small collection with a 736 engine and Trainmaster kw (115 volt) transformer. It has a couple switches and ucs track pieces.

My question is that the ucs track and switches work only when power is applied to the track from the transformer. I tried removing wire number 3 from the UCS and running a direct link/ wire to it and the "C" post on the transformer - but the transformer does not like that at all (sparks, buzzes and heats up immediately). That reaction puzzles me and I am wondering if the transformer is possibly at fault. Not sure why the direct power connector would cause that to happen.

If I power up the track (as if running a train) then they all work fine. But it is difficult to unload logs while the train is moving ;-)

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Charles

[steve24944]

Charles - welcome to the Forum .

How do you have your track wired to the transformer ?   For track connection - Post A or B should be wired to the #1 connection on the Lockon ( Center Rail ) and post U to the #2 connection ( Outside Rails ).  If reversed that may be the cause of the short.    As for your switches - if they are O-22 switches - there is a constant voltage plug on the side of the switch motor, which requires a plug that cuts the switch from track power - the plug then is wired back to the accessory post on your transformer.  

Good Luck

Steve

[CharlesAZ]

Thanks for the info Steve. I will confirm my lockon set up.

I think I figured out my problem on the UCS....user error! I was connecting the accessory post directly to the 3rd screw of the actual UCS track. After researching it more, it appears I am supposed to actually attach the "wire from the controller piece" (that originally attached to the 3rd screw) to the accessory post . I will test it tonight and confirm.

As far as the switch suggestion -  I will head to the hobby store to see if they have the plugs you mentioned. This is all more complicated then I had originally thought - however I think I am getting hooked as I work on this puzzle.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

[steve24944]

Charles -

Here is a great little book that I have had for a long time - great information for beginners - after 30 years I still use this for a source of information.  Track Layout and Accessory Manual for Lionel Trains.

0934580081

Lots of information about how to wire accessories, signals and train operation. Tables with voltage out put from various Lionel Transformers.

Steve

[phillyreading]

Charles, Welcome! On the 022 switches you do not need the constant voltage plug unless you run your trains at a slow speed, but it is very helpful if you want seperate power to the 022 switch. Also you do not need to worry about the common wire as the 022 switch still takes the common from the outside rail even with the constant voltage plug installed. So if you have a KW, or ZW, or Z you can use one of the other power levers or handles to power the 022 switches with, the 022 needs about 16 volts to switch effectively.

[CharlesAZ]

Thanks Philly!! I had not thought of using the second power lever for the switches - I  have a KW so I was planning on using the accessory plug but the other power lever would certainly  give me the juice needed -  great idea! I will be running the trains at fairly low speed as I have a smaller layout - and that sounds like it will work great.

Thanks for the input.

[steve24944]

Charles –

The Track Layout and Accessory Manual for Lionel Trains I was referring to, on page 40 there is a table for transformer connections to the O-22 Switch.  The table shows the constant voltage plug connected to post D on the KW Transformer.   If you are running trains at lower track voltage, connect the A or B post to the #1contact on your lockon ( center rail ) and the C post to the #2 contact on the lockon ( outside rail ).  If you are running trains at a higher track voltage, again connect the A or B post to the inside rail - but connect the U post to the outside rails ( #2 on the lockon )

Steve