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Wiring a Lionel Type RW Transformer

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  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Wiring a Lionel Type RW Transformer
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 2, 2007 8:22 PM

We have a pre-war Lionel O gauge set that has been passed down.  The engine was cleaned and refurbished professionally.  We would like to use it this Christmas but do not know how to wire the transformer.

The transformer is a "Multi Control TrainMaster"  110 Watt Type RW, 155V 60Cycle AC only.  It has a lever contol for the volts, a black whistle button and red direction button.

The back of the transformer has 5 posts.  The top row is  A,U, and B, the second row is C and D.

How to I attach this to the clips on the rail (3 rail system)?

Thank you.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: New Jersey, US
  • 379 posts
Posted by topcopdoc on Monday, December 3, 2007 8:57 AM

I have a similar Lionel transformer that I use for building lighting. I suggest you get a small VOM meter and check each of the leads using the AC scale. The transformer should put out 14 volts of AC current.

Mine has 4 speed controls (one for each separate train) and are marked A, B, C, and D. The other posts are marked "common" which is probably U on yours. Run a wire from A and one from "common" to the track. One connects to the middle rail and one connects to either of the outside rails.

If you can't get a VOM meter get an old set of Christmas lights and cut off a light leaving six inche of wire. Turn on the transformer and check each combination by using the Christmas light to see where you get current. The bulb should light. Make sure the bulb works before using it for testing.

Good luck, Doc

Pennsylvania Railroad The Standard Railroad of the World
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,369 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Monday, December 3, 2007 9:52 AM
There are more O-gauge people, and particularly more 3-rail Lionel types, on the Classic Toy Trains forum.  You might try posting this over there.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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