What to do with old/small transformers?????

[brianel027]

First of all, it depends what you mean by "old" and "small'.

Any used transformer should be inspected, and suspect if there is rust all over the bottom or the power cord looks frayed. But many of these of are repairable too. I've fixed my share, even the old sheet metal enclosed MARX transformers.

The small 25-50 watt Lionel MPC plastic enclosed transformers may not run a layout well, but work good for accessories, or like I have done, using one to power all my uncoupling tracks which I have wired to operate not from track power, but from auxiliary. These MPC transformers tend to operate a little cooler and hum less than their smaller postwar 1000 series type Lionel transformers.

The 1033 and related models are among the very best Lionel transfomers ever made. They work fine for postwar trains with open frame motors than need more current with the A-U post setting. AND they work great with the modern DC can motored locos with the B-U (0-11volt) post setting. The folks that complained their early K-Line (or similar Lionel) locos ran like rabbits ususally were trying to run these with ZW's or something other than the 1033.

A bargain for the buck compared to much of what is currently made, you can't go wrong with the 1033. A five-star rating in my book even after all these years.

[tapstrains]

Since installing 2 MTH Z4000 transformers on my layout, I have several MTH 750 and 2 Lionel 80 watt transformers not being used.

However, I do plan to use them for additional accessories. The Lionel transformers came with sets and were never used.

Steve Tapper

Northern Central High Railers

[ChiefEagles]

I've used 1033's to run engines on siding and such.   As said, great for accessories.  I run uncoupling track sections with them as track power for command is 18V.  Just a little high for those sections.

[trainmasterz]

Good idea Dr. John,

And if your gonna go that far, we midaswell add "conversation pieces"?

[Dr. John]

The older, smaller transformers (like the 1033) are good for accessories, a trolley line, test tracks, temporary layouts, etc.

They make good paperweights, too!

[Nagurney]

I doubt that any of the transformers used in trains power packs have old filler transformers.

If, however, you feel that our power pack is old and unsafe do not use it. The cost of a  new one is minimal compared to what might happen if a fire starts.

Remember also to wire the 110 outlets your layout so that when you turn it off, both sider of the line are disconnected. That way, if ther is a wiring error somewhere, it would be unlikely that anything is powered. If you install outlets yourself, buy an outlet tester to ensure you have the polarities correct and that the hot is dosconnected when the power is shut off.

Lad Nagurney

[trainmasterz]

Yea, those old blue and red #s are good for powering lights (houses, buildings, streetlights) and whatnot.

[dwiemer]

Call Lionel with the CW80, if it is in the batch that they know had a problem, which yours may very well be, they will just send you a new one.  I don't have a huge pile of old transformers, but the ones that are worthless and have no need in powering the layout can be used as scenery, taken apart, and place the necessary "Junk Yard", or gondola load.  The core could be used as part of a industrial complex.  Or, I suppose you could just toss them, I don't think they will have any problems with the trash.

dennis

[Boyd]

I don't know a lot about transformers other than real old ones that leak might have dangerous PCBs. The CW-80 that came with my Wisconsin Central set stopped working with I  bet less than 20 hours. But I have some small/old ones that I don't have any use for. Are any of the old  ones collectable? If they are not worth much,  can I  put them in the trash or recycle them with my next load of scrap?