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MRC substitute for vintage AF transformer?

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  • Member since
    May 2014
  • 7 posts
MRC substitute for vintage AF transformer?
Posted by LEE OLSON on Thursday, July 16, 2015 11:31 PM

I am thinking of replacing my old AFL 40 watt transformer to power my vintage AF locos. I am interested in getting better control/performance at lower speeds rather than the sort-of-jack rabbit starts I currently endure. Are there any recomendations out there for a newer MRC transformer for a replacement? Or are the newer Lionel transformers another option?

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Wisconsin
  • 2,877 posts
Posted by Bob Keller on Friday, July 17, 2015 7:05 AM

MRC currently has three AC transformers listed in stock, both Lionel and MTH transformers are suitable, and, of course, postwar Lionel power supplies should work as well.

Bob Keller

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • 139 posts
Posted by Laurastom on Friday, July 17, 2015 12:42 PM

Any of the new power supplies/transformers will work with two cautions. Gilbert engines do not like more than 16V. Up to 18V is safe but the life of bulbs and motors is shortened. If any of your engines have air chime whistles a pure sine wave transformer is required, otherwise the harmonics in the waveform will cause the whistle to constantly sound. It is possible to remove the tender shell and lift the speaker wire as an alternate. I use the MRC O27 Dual Power so I disconnected the speaker wires on my 295 and 315. 

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