Pre War Transformer

[David Hendry]

Does anyone know which transformer came with the Lionel 253 set, circa approximately 1939?

[lionelsoni]

I don't know about 1939, but the 1929 catalog includes no transformer with any set, including the 253 sets, although they do include a rheostat, a lockon, and wire and direct the reader to pages with "suitable Transformers and Reducers with which to operate these outfits from house current".  In the early 20th century, residential voltage and frequency (including whether AC or DC) were not standardized.  Most of the transformers are for 110 volts and 60 hertz, but there are also ones for 220 volts, 60 hertz and 110 volts, 25 or 40 hertz.

There are also DC reducers for 110 and 220 volts.  The reducers appear very dangerous to me.  I have one of the number-107 110-volt model which I have only dared to operate briefly one time.  It does work very well.

[pennytrains]

aboard!

Becky

[emdmike]

Back then choices were limited, most sets I have seen had one of the smaller voltage tap style transformers and one of sliding rheostats to vary train speed better, some justed the votage taps and nothing else for train speed.  If your going for an operational vintage set up, I would put a new cord on the transformer and replace any worn wiring inside of it.  They make brand new cloth covered wire and cords for vintage light restoration that gives the prewar look and keeping it as safe as possible.