Need hlep finding information on a train

[Anonymous]

Well, to be fair to my mother, she's probably hoping to have it under her tree for 40 or so more years before I have it under mine. . . but who knows, maybe 50 years from now I'll be talking about the 150 year old train that I have under my tree.

Jim

(still working on that first star)

[lionelsoni]

Jim, are you able to run it? Be careful about using AC if you don't know whether the motor is a universal type. It might run but overheat if it was designed only for DC. (Battery operation was common in the early days.) Sask, do you know what kind of supply was meant for it?

[1688torpedo]

Hello everyone! The early trains made by Howard,Voltamp,Lionel and others in that time period required at least two D.C.Dry cell batteries wired in series with a Group of Light Bulbs acting as a rheostat in order to regulate the Track voltage.Jim would most likely be better off to use a D.C. supply to run the Howard providing that it is still in running condition.Keith

[Anonymous]

We tried DC across just the engine (at a hobby store just to see if it worked) and didn't get the wheels to turn. They didn't know if there was something wrong with it or not. Dad is reluctant to mess with it for fear of damaging it.

Any additional information on the DC setup is appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim

[Anonymous]

Dad did put an ohmmeter on it and got resistance through the armature circuit, which means he said it looks like the windings are in good shape, but he was concerned that it was mechanically siezed and didn't want to overheat it and melt something.

He also wants to clean it, and the track up, but is concerned about damaging it, or devaluing it as a result. Any ideas about how to clean up the train and track without causing undo stress and strain on it?

Jim

[Anonymous]

Also, specifically to macdannyk1. . . I did a search for "Great Train Layouts Volume 1" and Ward Kimball, and Kimball Ward, and any number of permutations and came up empty on Amazon and my library's PA network search. Have any other information on that book? Was it part of a larger collection by a different name?

Jim

[lionelsoni]

Does it have a wound field? If so, is the field in series with the armature? Is the field winding intact? Is the magnetic circuit of the field laminated or solid?

In addition to figuring out what kind of motor it has, we need to find out the voltage that it was intended for. This could range from a few volts, if it was meant for a battery, up to 110 or 220 volts (DC only, or either AC or DC if it has a laminated field) if it was meant to be connected to the power line.

[spankybird]

Here is the link that you want

http://www.tmbooks-video.com

The video name is ‘ Great Toy Trains Layouts of America’

In the video, Walt shows off his 221[:D]

This is a two dics set, a total of 283 minutes and also includes our very own ‘Big_Boy_4005’ layout.[8D]

tom

[pbjwilson]

WOW! Nuff said.

[1688torpedo]

Hello Onceler! There is a Gent in Freehold , New Jersey by the Name of Joe Mania.He restores and Manufactures reproductions of old toy trains from the early 1900's.If you're unable to get the Howard to run Get a hold of Joe.He most certainly can help you out in this regard. Just Type in " Joe Mania" in the address section of your computer and this will put you in touch with Joe. I hope your Family never sells this train as it is a one of a kind and once its gone you will probably never see another one again for any price.Take care and have a nice day.........Keith

[1688torpedo]

Hello again Jim! Joe Mania will give you tips on d.c. toy train operation and basic Maintanance of the Mechanicals of the Howard as he is a well known wiz of Antique Toy Trains.Keith.