Transformers

[Anonymous]

Hi: I am new to this and am just getting started with a small 60's vintage Lionel set.
Can anyone tell me how many pieces of trank a 50 watt transformer will support. I am trying to pull 5 cars with 20 pieces of track. The engine runs very slow when it is on the opposite side of the transformer hook up.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Regards; Vic D

[Anonymous]

Vic, Sounds to me like you may have "Dirty" track. What I mean by that is the connection points of the track or rail joiners are either corroded or just simply dirty. Try to clean them and the top of the rails on your track. A Cardinal rule for transmitting electricity is keep your connections clean and tight. You might also try to clean the wheels of your engine. One other suggestion would be to run a supply to the other side of the layout keeping in mind polarity of the supply. Hope this helps.

Happy Railroading; John Newton

[Anonymous]

John: Thanks for the info. Is the output of the transformer AC or DC?

[Anonymous]

If dirt is part of the problem go to the folling site for cleaning procedures.

http://www.ttx-dcc/technews/clean_machine.htm

That's an underscore_line between clean_machine in the address.

[Anonymous]

Vic, More than likley the output of your xfr (transformer) is DC. You have to look at the terminals to determine if there is a deliniation of DC v. AC. If there is no such marking on the terminals or the side of the xfr look on the bottom for a diagram. Lest there be no marking or diagram you will need a Volt/Ohm meter to accurately determine AC v. DC. I would very much suspect the output to be DC though.

An easy way to keep polarity on the rails is to follow the wires from each terminal to each rail and confirm both. If the '+' terminal is on the inside rail closest to you it should be connected to the inside rail accross from you.

Be careful with electricity if you are not familiar with it, or know how it is transmitted. As an aside, most xfr's have both AC/DC outputs. Mainly DC is for Engine, (track), power and AC is for accessories.

Again, if you are not completely comfortable with your xfr, get a VOM and read the instructions that come with it. A VOM is an indespensible tool when it comes to modeling Trains. I hope this reply isn't too convolouded for you.

Regards and Good Luck,

John Newton

[Anonymous]

Lionel trains run on AC only.That transformer is AC if it came with the set. Model railroaders usually only refer to AC output units as transformers, and to DC output units as power packs...there IS a transformer WITHIN a power pack, but there is also a rectifier, along with provision for non-polarity reversing.
Most power packs also have additional terminals for AC accessories. All power pack terminals are marked DC or AC.
Compliments of the season & best regards / Mike

[Anonymous]

Mike, Thanks for the clarification and education!!

Happy Holidays Everyone,

John Newton

[Anonymous]

John/Mike:

Thanks for the info. It is in fact AC.
After cleaning the tracks and tightening the track connections as recommended, All is well.

Have a great holiday and thanks again for the info.

Vic D