It's one of Lionel's bigger transformers (I think only the ZW was more powerful). While I'm sure there are some Lionel operators here, you would likely have better success on the Classic Toy Trains forum. Somewhere I have a copy of a Lionel booklet from, coincidently, 1948 that may show the diagram, it does have many of the different Lionel transformers, but I'm not sure where it is at the moment. Perhaps just google "Lionel KW wiring diagram"
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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The LION does not know what a KW transformer is. LION was born in 1948, so you think him would know, but him does not. LION was going to give you the specs for a modern power transformer, but it was bed time and so him did not bother.
From the late 50s it is probably a wire wound resistor for a rheostat, these do not play well with modern locomotive motors, you are better off with a transistorized transformer. Id put my money there, and use the KW for aux power if at all.
Transformers are basically straight forward, there is an input coil, probably 110 volts, and an output coil, probably 12 volts. You can measure this with a volt meter. You will also be able to discover if it is AC or DC.
Does it have a name plate with this information on it. Let us know what it says and we will tell you more.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
I am finally back into model railroading...first time using my old KW since the late 1950's...I did have it rehabilitated...but need manual...does anyone have an electronic copy of the manual that you could share? I would really appreciate it.