Lionel Type "R" transformer

[HuskerPete]

I have a Standard gauge train set with two engines a Lionel 390E and a Lionel 10. Both run great and have been well taken care of over the years. They get used once a year to go around the Christmas tree but this year I can't seem to get either running. I have completely dismantled and cleaned the track, I have tried 2 or 3 different track connectors but nothing works. When I hook the transformer up it lights up and the headlight on the 390E gives a faint glow off and on. Could the transformer have gone bad? I don't have an ammeter but will have it tested. Anything else that could be causing this>

 

Thanks, Pete

[TrainLarry]

First, make sure you are hooking up the transformer properly. The right knob controls posts A-C and B-C. The left knob controls posts A-F and B-F.

If you have a lighted car, put it on the track, hook up one set of transformer posts to the track, and check to see the car lights brightly when the knob is turned all the way up.

If it does, check the remaining combination of posts and the other knob.

If the transformer passes these tests, it should be OK.

Put your locomotive on the track and see if it runs using posts A-C, B-C, A-F and B-F. If it does not, hook the terminals on the transformer marked ''14V'' to the track and try the locomotive again. Note this will bypass the variable throttle knobs, so just touch the wires for a second to see your result. If the loco does not run, there may be a problem with it.

 

Larry

[HuskerPete]

Hi Larry, I tried all of the above with no luck. Green light on the transformer lights up and the loco headlight glows a little but no action. I know both the loco's are fine so is it the transformer? I figure it's either that or I still have a bad connection or short on the track. Your thoughts?

[sir james I]

Sounds like a short somewhere esp if a lighted car does the same thing. 

[Flintlock76]

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[Flintlock76]

If you're using pre-war track it's possible one (or more) of the center rail insulation pads may have gone bad, assuming there's nothing wrong with the transformer.

I'd start removing sections of track piece by piece, as tedious as that's going to be, and see if and when the problem goes away. 

If it's necessary to go that route I believe both Lionel and MTH make new Standard Gauge track, although it's going to be of the Fastrack or Realtrack style.

One more thing.  Inspect your cars to see if a piece of the previous years tinsel (if you use it) isn't stuck to the axles or center rail pick-ups and causing the short. It could be that simple. 

[LL675]

and make sure the locomotive wheels and pick up rollers are clean and shiney

 

[BigAl 956]

HuskerPete

Could the transformer have gone bad?

In short, Yes.

Has it ever been serviced? A type R is about 80ish years old. Although well built I would give these ancient power sources a thurough anual inspection and rebuilding before putting back into service. I just rebuilt an old R I had lying around. But to be honest, I wouldn't trust it enough to use every day.

[Flintlock76]

Goes without saying Lionel built 'em good, and built 'em to last, but they never  expected anyone to be using them 80 years after they left the loading dock.