Help with accessory wiring please

[Anonymous]

My father in-law recently gave my son his old Lionel train from his childhood.It is approx. 50 years old and has a TRAINmaster controller with 5 connections in the rear. I have managed to make the train operate properly but would like to hook up the crossing sign and station. Can anyone guide me on the wiring of these peices?

[Big_Boy_4005]

Most models of Lionel transformers say Train Master on them. In order to give you the best answer we need the specific model. It will be one or two letters, or a 4 digit number, and should be clearly marked near the word Train Master.

[Anonymous]

below the whistle and direction button it reads type 110rw watt.

[lionelsoni]

I think that you have a type RW, which is rated at 110 watts. You can verify this by looking at the terminal plate on the back: The top row of terminals should be labeled A, U, and B, from left to right as you face them. Under the A terminal should be the C terminal and under the B terminal should be the D terminal. Between A and C should be "9V". Between A and D should be "19V". Between C and D should be "10 V". And between B and D should be "15 V" ("16 V"?).

The most reasonable way to use this transformer is to connect A or B to the outside rails of the track and U to the center rail. Using A will give you a maximum of about 16 volts; using B will give you 19. You can probably connect most accessories between D and A, B, or C, for 19, 16, or 10 volts, respectively. Any accessories that need a common connection with the outside rails, like a crossing signal perhaps, will have to use whichever of A or B you are using for the train.

As for your crossing signal, do you have a track section with an isolated outside rail? Or do you have a contact assembly meant to be placed under the track?