Toy train operating and collecting

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Last post 02-25-2008 6:17 AM by LocoPops. 6 replies.
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02-24-2008 4:51 PM
Offline LocoPops
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-25-2007
Central Pennsylvania
Posts 98

Lionel pre-war type "T" transformer

I have an old pre-war 100-watt type "T" transformer.  Used it for accessories years ago, but its been sitting since.  I gave it a new power cord.  Voltage on all posts tested OK.   I  hooked it up to a track, and at the lowest variable voltage (maybe 5 volts) the locomotive flew.  Had I not immediately shut it down, it would have landed on the other side of the room.  And this was just a little scout steamer.

I never tried to run a train with this transformer before.  Anybody have any ideas what is happening here?

Thanks. 

 

02-24-2008 5:07 PM In reply to
Offline lionelsoni
Top 25 Contributor
Joined on 12-27-2001
Austin, TX
Posts 6,363

Re: Lionel pre-war type "T" transformer

What terminals were you using?
02-24-2008 5:29 PM In reply to
Offline LocoPops
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-25-2007
Central Pennsylvania
Posts 98

Re: Lionel pre-war type "T" transformer

 lionelsoni wrote:
What terminals were you using?

A and U.

02-24-2008 6:02 PM In reply to
Offline lionelsoni
Top 25 Contributor
Joined on 12-27-2001
Austin, TX
Posts 6,363

Re: Lionel pre-war type "T" transformer

That would give you 17 to 25 volts.  No wonder your locomotive behaved that way!

Try B and U, for 10 to 18 volts; or C and U, 2 to 10 volts.

02-24-2008 7:14 PM In reply to
Offline LocoPops
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-25-2007
Central Pennsylvania
Posts 98

Re: Lionel pre-war type "T" transformer

Bob,

I don't have any documentation for a "T" transformer.  I just hooked it up like the newer stuff.  It sounds like the "T" transformer is different.  Or is this rather a characteristic of pre-war transformers?

 

02-24-2008 9:26 PM In reply to
Offline lionelsoni
Top 25 Contributor
Joined on 12-27-2001
Austin, TX
Posts 6,363

Re: Lionel pre-war type "T" transformer

There is a long list of terminal combinations and voltages on the nameplate, as you might imagine is necessary with the 9 terminals of the T.  In case the fine print of yours is illegible, here is what mine says:

C TO D 2 VOLTS
C TO E 4 VOLTS
C TO F 6 VOLTS
C TO G 8 VOLTS
C TO H 10 VOLTS
B TO C 8 VOLTS
B TO D 10 VOLTS
B TO E 12 VOLTS
B TO F 14 VOLTS
B TO G 16 VOLTS
B TO H 18 VOLTS
A TO B 7 VOLTS
A TO C 15 VOLTS
A TO D 17 VOLTS
A TO E 19 VOLTS
A TO F 21 VOLTS
A TO G 23 VOLTS
A TO H 25 VOLTS

VOLTAGES OBTAINED WHEN USING SWITCH
C TO U - 2-4-6-8-10 VOLTS
B TO U - 10-12-14-16-18 VOLTS
A TO U - 17-19-21-23-25 VOLTS

02-25-2008 6:17 AM In reply to
Offline LocoPops
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-25-2007
Central Pennsylvania
Posts 98

Re: Lionel pre-war type "T" transformer

Bob,

No, I can't make out the writing on mine.   Thank you for the list.  

 

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