I just received my first box of 1950’s loinel trains I got on ebay. there was a small d/c transformer in the box {not lionel}. will this run the trains or should I be using an a/c transformer?
What locomotives do you have? Lionel did make some that ran only on DC. On the other hand, those that run on AC will run on DC too–but the whistle, if any, will blow continuously.
John,
As mentioned above, it depends on the motor of the particular locomotive. I would try to get a new transformer anyway. Something that will handle the load and have a fast blow fuse should you have a short. Keep the old DC transformer as this would be good for lights, etc. Take care, Dennis
This may not be too relevent, but I have the Crayola train & it is I believe DC, but I had it running on AC. hOPE i don’t burn it up, though.
Thanks, John
John,
The Crayola train can run okay on DC, as it has an e-unit with an integrated rectifier. You only run into problems with older cheap engines that have no e-unit, such as the engine in the LASER train.
Thanks Ben ! I often wondered about this one & wanted to keep it going for the Grandkids.
Thanks again, John
thanks guys. The loco runs on the dc unit but not much power. I am sure the d/c unit is weak. 1 extra light bulb lit will slow the train down. I have a couple of 40"s/50’s transformers coming I think 80 or 90w. I also purchased a new cw80. can’t wait to get them.
The DC power supply probably puts out the voltage suitable for HO trains, which is 12 volts. Lionel transformers generally put out at least 16 volts; and the older ones go up to 25. As you have found, 12 volts is enough to move the locomotive without much of a load; but more would be better. A good replacement would be the 1033, a well-designed and durable postwar transformer that is not very hard to find at a reasonable price.