lionel transformer question please help!

[Anonymous]

Hello, I am trying to buy a #1047 lionel train set, but the transformer may not work. I'm wondering what type of transformer I need for it, or if any transformer will work? Please forgive my stupidity, I am buying this for my dad's birthday and don't know anything about trains.

Thank you!!

Melissa

[Roger Bielen]

I am not familiar with the #1047 train set, my Greenberg's Price Guide shows this number as an accessory. In general the vast majority of Lionel trains operate on AC voltage and any O-gauge transformer of suffiecient wattage should work. You are not limited to the Lionel brand, those from others, K-line, MTH, etc. should work.

In general, 80 watts +/- seems to be the standard supplied with many current starter sets. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Roger Bielen

I am not familiar with the #1047 train set, my Greenberg's Price Guide shows this number as an accessory. In general the vast majority of Lionel trains operate on AC voltage and any O-gauge transformer of suffiecient wattage should work. You are not limited to the Lionel brand, those from others, K-line, MTH, etc. should work.

In general, 80 watts +/- seems to be the standard supplied with many current starter sets. Good luck.

So any transformer around 80+/- watts should work? Thanks alot for the reply, this should be exactly what I need to get this set up and running. [:D]

[lionelsoni]

Melissa, the people who run DC trains often incorrectly refer to their power supplies as "transformers". You need a true transformer, which is actually a simpler device. If you come across a Lionel model 1033 transformer, buy it. As was recently noted in this forum, it is an excellent modestly-sized (90-watt) transformer.

I agree with Roger. The 1047 is an accessory. Are you sure you have the number right?

[richardy]

Beware, Lionel produced some starter train sets that operate on DC rather than AC, make sure the locomotive is an AC model if using an AC transformer!

[lionelsoni]

Good point.

[Anonymous]

Melissa,
Sounds like you are looking at a used train, train set or something. If I was you, I would go to your local train shop and purchase a new train set that comes track, transformer and a WARRANTY. Should you have any questions, I will be in the store tomorrow bewteen 11:00 am and 9:00 pm est. My phone number is 724-479-2026.
Jimmy

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jim Sutter

Melissa,
Sounds like you are looking at a used train, train set or something. If I was you, I would go to your local train shop and purchase a new train set that comes track, transformer and a WARRANTY. Should you have any questions, I will be in the store tomorrow bewteen 11:00 am and 9:00 pm est. My phone number is 724-479-2026.
Jimmy

I totally agree, under these circumstances. No use giving him a potential headach. Joe