Vintage Lionel GG-1 switch function

[jamesskykomish]

Hello,

I just purchased a vintage Lionel GG-1 #2332 (1947 version so I'm told)  There is a switch on the top of the engine that moves from side to side.  I cannot find any information online that describes it's function.  

I model in HO scale but this is my first O scale locomotive.  I'd like to purchase some track and a transformer to run it for my grandkids.  I don't need a fancy transformer, something simple and basic.  I've seen some on Ebay while I was searching for the locomotive.  I believe the locomotive has only one motor so a high power transformer isn't necessary.

Thanks very much,

Jim Rohrbach

[BigAl 956]

Lionel trains of that era were equipped with a mechanical e-unit that allows them to reverse directions. The switch turns the e-unit on or off. If it's on you will hear a buzzing sound and the engine will rotate, forward-neutral-reverse-neutral with every power interuption. If you turn it off the engine will remain in the last direction it was going.

[ADCX Rob]

[8ntruck]

That locomotive will need 6 to 18 volts a.c. to run.  A vintage Lionel 1033 transformer will run that locomotive, some lighted cars and maybe a couple of turnouts - assuming you will be running on a simple loop of track with a siding.  A modern Lionel CW80 power supply will also do the same thing.

Both of these are common on e bay.

Good luck and have fun.

[Leverettrailfan]

Ditto everything that's been said so far. I agree that for a vintage transformer, the 1033 is a great choice. It's simple, compact, and very capable. It's cousin, the 1044, is an equally good choice, and has the exact same specs, just with a different appearence.
These transformers are also nice because of the different voltage outputs they can deliver- it can be wired to deliver 0-11 volts to the track for a lighter load, or 5-16 for a heavier one. I suspect that you'll almost always be using the latter configuration for your GG1.
You also can take advantage of constant voltage outputs for operating accessories and lighted buildings- when wired correctly to an accessory, the 1033/1044 can deliver constant voltage of 5 volts, 11 volts, or 16 volts. The transformer says on it which terminals to connect to give you each of these outputs, as do the old instruction manuals.


Also as mentioned, the CW-80 is a great moden transformer if you want to use something that isn't vintage. You could certainly make a case for the CW-80 being objectively better than the 1033/1044, but for your stated needs there's probably nothing the CW-80 has to offer that the 1033/1044 doesn't. 


I would also throw in the RW transformer. These transformers were rated at 110 watts, and can deliver 5-16 volts or 9-19 volts variable voltage, depending how you wire the transformer to the track. The latter range isn't practical for O gauge trains, and is more suited to older standard gauge trains. The transformer also offers several fixed voltage outputs.

Hope this helps you decide which transformer you want to pick up

Keep in mind that this is really only a small selection of what's out there- these are just some classic, well known "winners" that work well and are typically pretty good bang for the buck.

Gilbert American Flyer transformers will also generally work just as well with O gauge trains (variable voltage output of 7-15v) but they always lack the horn/whistle activation equipment because AC Gilbert used their own sound activation system so as not to be forced to pay royalties to Lionel to use theirs. Gilbert made some great transformers, the 8b is very attractive and rated at 100 watts, and isn't a hard transformer to locate. 
Not quite a year ago at a train store that mostly sells used stuff, I picked up a 250 watt, dual throttle 12B for $30. 
All this to say... look around. There's options everywhere, and many equally good choices. You can always buy whatever's cheap now, and upgrade later if something nicer comes along. A decent used transformer generally won't set you back much, so long as you don't focus on the most collectable models (like the Lionel ZW or AC Gilbert 30B).

Have fun with your 2332!
-Ellie