Tinplate Traction: MRC and Atlas Transformer Upgrades

[David Barker]

This is what a forum should be, transferring helpful/valuable info!

[LIRR1926]

thanks Mitch

simple is best--just need a prompt on the idea

Scotie

[M. Mitchell Marmel]

Oh, simplicity itself.  I drilled a hole in the knob at the base of the arrow, ran a sheet metal screw through it and screwed on the handle!  Then, to cover the screw head and drill marks (aimed a tad low), I cut a small triangle to fit out of white plastic (cheap For Sale sign from Wal-Mart) and used that as an inlay.

Remember Vane A. Jones (Traction and Models)'s motto:  "SCROUNGE!"  :D

Mitch

[LIRR1926]

Mitch

I've got one of those Atlas transformers and love it except for the knob. How did you attach the file handle?

thanks

Scotie

[M. Mitchell Marmel]

I was a busy beaver this weekend!  As I noted earlier, the MRC transformer terminal screws are 6-32, same as the Lionel 1033-47 nuts, which made conversion a snap! 

Left:  The other thing I did was add a file handle to my Atlas 80w transformer, changing a reluctant knob to a smoothly operating handle...

Center:  MRC O27 transformer, converted by removing original staked in screws, driving in 6-32 screws and locking down with nuts before grinding off screw heads.

Right:  MRC O27 transformer, converted by unscrewing staked in screws until they just locked, cutting off screw heads and installing 1033-47 nuts,

So, it can be done! 

Mitch