Really basic American Flyer question.

[Anonymous]

Okay, I'm new here so be gentle. Basically, I received an old American Flyer set as a gift. I have a bunch of parts and I need help in setting it up.

I have what I guess is a speed control box. I have three places I can connect wires on the front of this box.

Where do I connect the wires to on the box and where do the wires go to one the track? Do I just connect them to each side of the track or is there something I am missing?

Thanks for any basic help you can provide.

[Anonymous]

Hi Dave,we need a little more information. Are there markings at the terminals on the back of the transformer? Do you have a piece of track with connectors or screws to wrap the wire around? Two of the connections on the transformer are to be hooked to the track,the third is most likely power for accessories(log loaders,lights,or other item that needs power. Hang in there we`ll figure it out. Gerald

[Anonymous]

Thanks for helping. Every piece of track seems to tbe the same. I think the wires are supposed to connect directly to the track ties. There are three ties per track and each has two holes in it. Also, there was no special track piece for connecting wires to like I have seen in other sets.

The transformer connections are labels for eithe 15 volts or 7.5 volts depending on which two i use. I have been testing things with the 7.5 volts because it sounded safer. :)

[thirdrail1]

It's been almost 50 years, but I recall that my American Flyer track had a special connector, about the size of a matchbook that was a sheet of black bakelite plastic with two clips for wires One went to a piece of metal bent up near it that went to one rail. The second went to the underside of the plastic and ended up with a springclip that attached to the other rail. You really do need this part to connect to the track!
Your transformer does NOT sound like one used for model trains. American Flyer transformers had a big red pointer with a wooden handle on the top used to control the speed. Does your transformer have this? By the way, there is a toy train forum on this website. You might find some more knowledgeable people over there.