Hello:
As I am new to the repair game, I disassembled an LW transformer to place a new power cord and breaker plus diode in it. After reassembly the variable voltages were constant 19v, were as previous to disassembly they were normal. My question pertains to the placement of the 2 cardboard u shaped insulators in the body of the unit. I did not note on disassembly were exactly these two inserts should be placed. The larger one I think goes underneath the main coil, but I am unsure about the smaller one? Does it go on top of the coil? I previously posed a question on this forum about my voltage problems after reassembly and I graciously received the wiring schematic, which I checked over--but the problem persists. Therefore, if someone recalls the proper placement of these 2 cardboard insulators I would be most appreciative.
Thanks to all for the help!
Mickey Demian
The parts view shows the rectangular 'insulation' piece to go under the terminal plate assembly, and the folded 'U' shaped 'bottom insulation' piece to go under the coil assembly.
A good habit to get into is to photograph each step of dis-assembly when doing repairs to aid in the proper reassembly when our memory fails us.
Larry
Thanks:
I did not remove the insulation under the terminal plate. I replaced the bottom insulation under the main coil
but i still have another u shaped bent piece of insulation that is in the same shape as the bottom insulation, about half the size though, that i am trying to find the right placement for. Any ideas.
Thanks for sharing all your expertise.
Have a look at these LW Service Documents and see if they help.
Pete
"You can’t study the darkness by flooding it with light." - Edward Abbey -
Unless someone can provide a picture of the insides of an intact LW, you will just need to try and jog your memory, and keep trying various configurations until you find the proper placement.
If you can post a clear picture of the inside of the transformer, and the piece of insulation, that will help in determining its' placement.
The service manual parts placement and parts lists show only 2 insulation pieces. Apparently there is a 3rd undocumented insulation piece.
I would be happy to crack open my LW and post pictures IF Kalmbach/CTT would allow direct uploading, as do other O gauge forums. Not interested in putting my pics on any of the third party sites, however. Beyond my comprehension why we can't post pics directly to the Kalmbach forums. Looks to me like they've crossed the line from thrifty to cheap.
In lieu of pictures, could you perhaps be so kind as to look inside and describe where the 3rd insulation piece goes? The link you provided above is helpful, but the service manual only shows 2 insulation pieces. Is there, and where is the placement of, a 3rd insulation piece on your transformer?
Thanks for your help.
I am quite perplexed with the direct upload issue also. It severely limits the amount and quality of the help that can be given on these forums.
TrainLarry In lieu of pictures, could you perhaps be so kind as to look inside and describe where the 3rd insulation piece goes? The link you provided above is helpful, but the service manual only shows 2 insulation pieces. Is there, and where is the placement of, a 3rd insulation piece on your transformer? Thanks for your help. I am quite perplexed with the direct upload issue also. It severely limits the amount and quality of the help that can be given on these forums.
Okay. Not sure how much help this will be, but I removed the case, gave the guts a thorough examination, and could not find the mysterious "3rd piece," only the two as per the drawing. Since my LW is functioning properly I am reluctant to disassemble it any further.
If I had such a dilemma, though, I would try to find a spot somewhere where the 3rd piece might fit "naturally." It probably has taken a "set" and it should be possible to find where it fits through trial and error.
If I might venture a guess, I think the constant voltage on the variable output terminal may not be related to the insulation, unless the illustrated pieces have been damaged in some way. Either way, I would give the rectangular insulation beneath the output terminals a long, hard look before exploring other possibilities.
Just occurred to me - Does the lamp brightness vary with the setting of the controller handle as it should? You're getting full voltage on the track output, so is the lamp full bright at all settings? If not, it could indicate a problem with the rheostat; if so, it more likely is a wiring/insulation problem of some sort.
There are no rheostats in postwar Lionel "O" gauge transformers.
If you are getting full voltage on an LW, regardless of the handle position, then the control handle has a problem. There is a wiper attached to the bottom of the shaft that should be sweeping across the secondary windings of the transformer coil, thereby variing the voltage.
It could be the handle isn't turning the shaft. Or the wiper is detached from the shaft, and is somehow making contact between the shaft and windings. Either would be a rather uncommon problem on an LW.
If you've disconnected and reconnected wires, it is likely a wiring problem.
cwburfle There are no rheostats in postwar Lionel "O" gauge transformers. If you are getting full voltage on an LW, regardless of the handle position, then the control handle has a problem. There is a wiper attached to the bottom of the shaft that should be sweeping across the secondary windings of the transformer coil, thereby variing the voltage. It could be the handle isn't turning the shaft. Or the wiper is detached from the shaft, and is somehow making contact between the shaft and windings. Either would be a rather uncommon problem on an LW. If you've disconnected and reconnected wires, it is likely a wiring problem.
Took an error in terminology to get you to show up?
LOL, I didn't mean to be a prig. Please accept my apologies.I thought the thread was progressing fine without me, but perhaps our origiinal poster is stuck. The LW transformer is my favorite single train transformer to use. But I find it to be somewhat of a PIA to replace the cord.
If the handle moves the shaft, and the wiper moves back and forth with the shaft, then the problem almost certainly has to be the wiring. (Assuming the fellow is using the correct terminal posts for his test). And has already been mentioned by Pete, the light built into the control shaft should be out when the handle is in the off position, and get brighter as the "speed" is increased, even with nothing connected to the output terminals.
How about posting some pictures of these three insulators?
he will get full power hooking to both A terminals also in fact if he doesn't hook to U and uses any 2 he will get no handle control this being said in case he wired one of the lugs wrong like the U by accident
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
To check for this either take a meter or a light with wires from it and put one on U and one on each of the others one by one if all give you full power then its your controller if it has one that it will work with the see if that's U by hooking your wire or your meter to that and see if the others are working fine from that
It still could very well what CW said also but just another thing to check to be sure.
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