My source of info comes from K-Line reproductions of various transformer instruction sheets. Illustrations show basic connections to track with the U terminal on the transformer connected to the #2 connector on the lock-on. Transformer examples include RW, KW and ZW...all clearly wired in this manner as illustrated. Instructions for the KW and ZW specifically say to connect U to #2 clip on the lock-on
When the Lionel connection charts for the various transformers are factored in, it then becomes confusing. I see now that U doesn't always mean Ground or Common on all Lionel transformers or that U is not always connected to #2. Thanks guys, and again, apologies for the confusion.
Bruce
Perhaps this Lionel service-manual chart can shed some light: http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/transfmr/ps6.pdf .
Notice that the transformers with a single variable output list U as that variable output for all but the last case, when U is the common. In that case, there are no fixed-voltage posts listed. This is because all the other posts, relative to U, are variable, but in a bizarrely useless way.
Bruce, where did you see that "U is always connected to #2"?
Bob Nelson
Now I'm really confused, Bob. Upon review of the most popular of post and prewar transformers, whether they be single or multiple control, U is always connected to #2 on the lock-on which in turn is connected to the outer rail.
I apologize for the error. ...I seem hopelessly stuck in the prewar era, when even multi train transformers (Z and V) used U as common. Yep, the ZW and KW definitely are as Bob describes. Sorry for the confusion.
Not so, Bruce. U is the common and is connected to the outside rails only for those transformers with multiple variable outputs. The single-train transformers are designed to have U connected to the center rail; and there is usually a choice of which other terminal to connect to the outside rails, according to the voltage range desired on the track.
If connected as I have described, the whistle control will make the center rail more positive than the outside rails for all types of postwar transformers. This can be counted on to make the whistle rather than the bell of a modern locomotive respond to the transformer's whistle control. However, all the postwar schematic diagrams I have ever seen from Lionel show the whistle diode backwards from the way the transformers were actually built.
" U connects to the Center Rail and A connects to the outer rail.''
Not that it matters much with simple track connection circuitry but U on Lionel transformers always signifies the common connection on the outer rails. It could become problematic electrically if connected otherwise when trying to follow Lionel schematics for wiring more complicated accessories.
Quality modern brushes are self lubricating. Most of the documentation that I have seen pertaining to maintaining toy trains or small motors do not recommend lubricating commutators. At one time, I think Caig labs recommended using their moving contact lube on commutators, but I looked earlier and did not find the reference. Whatever you decide to do, be aware that over lubrication can be almost as bad as under lubrication. Many of the repairs I've had to do were due to problems caused by excessive lubrication, lubricants put where they did not belong, or use of the wrong lubricants. Olsen's Toy Trains has images of the original Lionel service station manual online here:http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd1.htm
Another interesting read: http://www.justtrains.com/Service/maint-main.asp
I recommend you lube the locos with motor oil. It will work OK on the gears, and you need to lube the armature bearings and the bearings that the idler gears turn on. Do not use 3 in 1 oil, Lionel Lube, WD-40, lithium grease, sewing machine oil, light machine oil, etc. Motor oil will not dry out or get gummy in 40 years.
If there is dried grease on the locos, you don't need to remove it. Just put oil on it and it will soften.
Oil the pickup rollers and the pony truck and the trailing truck. Oil the axle bearings and the slides for the pony truck and trailing truck.
I oil the commutators for the motors which reduces the brush friction and brush wear. There are those who say this won't work, but I have been doing it for about 7 years with no problems. Use motor oil for this. Clean out the slots in the commutator as best you can using a small screw driver or tooth pick.
Oil the wheels for your cars and oil the bolster for the trucks.
If you have 022 switches, I wrote a long post on this forum giving instructions on how to restore these switches to proper operation. Use Google to find it. "022/711 switch operating pblms" I have more than 100 022 switches.
I have 4 KW transformers and 2 ZW transformers. I oil the transformers, also. The whistle control on the KWs doesn't work well unless it is oiled.
Have fun.
On the top of the transformer, above the word OFF it says Posts A-U. Connect as mentioned above.
It would be helpful to add a dab of grease to the gears of the locomotives, and a few drops of oil to the axle bearings to get the locos to run better.
Larry
U connects to the Center Rail and A connects to the outer rail. With an AC meter the power should vary between 7 and 18vac.
It is my first post; I think this is the right place.
I am resurrecting my train set that has been in storage for 40 years. Some of the wiring of components are poor and crumbling, but the Trainmaster Type TW transformer is still in great condition. I powered up the Trainmaster and tested with a multimeter and it appears that it is working properly. I would have though that I would have got different(variable) voltage readings on the multimeter when adjsusting the Speed Controller, but I did not. Maybe this is normal?
Nonetheless, I am unfamiliar on how to hook this up to the tracks. I played with some connections, my engines did power up, but they just shot off the track. So, at least the engines work after being stored for so long. The transformer does NOT have the B connection. I am completely unfamiliar with hooking this up as I was just a tike when I used it. Now, it is time to pass onto my son who is 4.5 and get him loving it. He is a huge train fan and of course, a Thomas fan. He is excited.
Can anybody help assist me on how to hook this train up with the wiring please? I read some blogs, but I am confused as some are saying to apply power to all three tracks? Anyway, I attached some photos if this helps and can provide many more photos and info if needed....thank you all!
" target=""> " target=""> " alt="" />
" target=""> " alt="" />
" alt="" />
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month