1041 Transformer Questions

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I have an old (1945) Lionel # 1041 transformer that has two problems. One is that it will not go to zero volts in the OFF position, providing enough voltage (at least with the A-U terminals) to keep a small engine running no matter what. I tried removing the top of the transformer and placing a small piece of electrical tape over the extreme left hand side of the winding. That worked about two times, and then the tape got all jumbled up by the moving contactor.

The other problem is an erratic whistle control. I’d like to get at the whistle mechanism to try replacing the rectifier disk but I can’t figure out how to get the mechanism out of the casing. The rectifier disk appears to be near the bottom of the unit (according to the service diagram). Does the bottom of the casing come off for access to it?

Otherwise, this old warhorse seems to work remarkably well. As always, any advice will be appreciated.

John Gottcent

2

IIRC, the guts of the 1041 just pull out. It’s a pretty tight friction fit (the sheet metal coil supports are springy) Grab the coil and give it hell

3

Thanks. I thought that was the case, but I didn’t want to pull hard before getting confirmation I was doing the right thing.

John

4

I’m guessing that the problem with the whistle is related to the issue that you can’t get to zero volts.