Question on transformers for my old Lionel Train set. O scale.

[Sinkhole1959]

Okay, I will show my extreme ignorance here but I am pretty sure my train set is O gauge.  My parents bought me the Lionel type 11430 5 unit steam freight train set when I was 5 years old back in 1964. I added some tracks to it several years ago. Now I just get it out at Christmas for my daughters and we put it around our tree.  My transformer buzzes a lot and smells a little funny so I think I may need a new transformer. Sometimes it just stops and goes backwards for no reason and I am not sure if that is a track or transformer issue. I don't want to mess up my train set.  This transformer says it is a Type 1026 25 watt transformer.  I also just read in the paper work with the train that I should be oiling the "oil wick", Which I have never done but I doubt I have run this train more than 20 times in my life.  I would like to setup something to run it more often but that is another project for another day. 

My question: Is there a replacement power supply for my train? I only see these 80 watt and higher supplies and I am afraid they would fry my engine.  Is there also a place online to order these transformers and the Oil?  

Thank you, 

[KRM]

sinkhole

 You have a lot of options for a transformer. The one you have is very small and they do buzz, I don't know what you have for a engine for the set but that would help. I just today worked on a 1959 2242 F3 that the grease was as hard as a rock and the motor would not run. This can cause a big draw on the transformer and heat it up. It sure will not do any good to the motor as well. So I think you need to look at the luburaction of the engine you have as a cause of your problem along with dirty track and bad connections causing it to stop and start and back up. A CW 80 will not hurt your train but I think you need to find the root cause before you go and get something you may not need.

[Anonymous]

Is there a train store near where you live? If so take your engine, tender, and transformer to them and have them serviced. Most likely all they need are some tender loving care and they will run just fine.

[overall]

The CW 80 refered to elsewhere will not burn up your engine. The only way that could happen would be if you applied too much voltage to the track. The CW 80 cannot do that.I have a CW 80 that I use for my Christmas tree loop and I have gotten good service from it so far. I suspect you have a spur gear steam engine. Some LaBelle oil, available at hobby shops, will work fine for lubrication.

George 

[Sinkhole1959]

Thank you for the information. Since mine has never been serviced it could be in just as bad a shape. It goes around fine as a medium slow speed. Too fast and it will flip off and too slow and it may stop and sit there. I have my old tracks mixed in with my new ones so maybe that connection is also causing issues.  The engine has 1062 painted on the side. I did not see any other markings other than it was made in NY by Lionel. 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Sinkhole1959

Since mine has never been serviced it could be in just as bad a shape. It goes around fine as a medium slow speed. Too fast and it will flip off and too slow and it may stop and sit there.

I had the same problem with some of my old HO locos when I brought them out of the closet. They had the open frame Pittman type motors. After a good cleaning and a light lube most of them ran pretty good. Two motors weren't salvageable. The others have all since been replaced with modern can motors.

[Sinkhole1959]

I live near Murfreesboro TN and I bought my extra tracks from a place called Thor's Trains. I will see if he is still there and if he works on engines and transformers. The original paperwork in the box shows how to oil the wick but I take it I should not try to clean the engine myself. 

[Sinkhole1959]

I am learning more and more about trains. I will check with the hobby shop on the oil. We have a hobbytown in Murfreesboro TN near by as well as a small locally owned train shop called Thor's. I can probably get the oil and maybe the cw 80 there. Thank you

[Sinkhole1959]

Thank you for the information. There is a slip of paper from the factory in the box stating that my 1062 engine will not work with switches or crossings. That I would need to have the truck replaced by a Lionel Service Center or purchase a different tender like 242T or 1062T. So I guess if i ever take my train to the next level I will have to leave this engine on it's own basic track. 

[KRM]

Sinkhole

Here is some information on your engine. It is a very light starter set engine with a plastic body and would if too fast flip off and too slow and it may stop and sit there I think even if serviced. Make sure your track and track connections are clean and it should be fine with a light oiling to it

http://www.tandem-associates.com/lionel/lionel_trains_1062_loco.htm

 

http://www.postwarlionel.com/cgi-bin/postwar?ITEM=1062

[Sinkhole1959]

Thank you for the links. I will read up on them now. 

[Sinkhole1959]

I have learned a great deal already from everyone's help. I now know I have a Lionel 1062 0-4-0 with a slopped back tender with Lionel Lines on the side. My original tracks I believe are 027 gauge because I measured their height including the cross members and it was less than 1/2 inch and according to Lionel's site 027 gauge is 7/16 high while 0 gauge is 11/16" high. I will pick up some oil my next trip into town. 

[Anonymous]

I would take your transformer and have it serviced. The older transformers can be serviced, unlike the modern CW80. And having it serviced will be MUCH cheaper than buying a new CW80.

[TRAINCAT]

And do not worry about a bigger transformer being harmful. The engine will only draw the current it needs. Even an old ZW would be fine. If you go to better trains later that old 25 watt will not be enough power.

Roger