I picked up at a yard sale dirt cheap some O gauge stuff, 8 various cars, several straight and curved track sections, steam locomotive, and a transformer. The seller could not say if it would work or not, but if nothing else for the price I knew my 5 year old son who loves trains (real and toy) would love just pushing the cars around on the track if nothing else.
However if it works or can be fixed I’d like to try.
Does O gauge work on AC or DC? What voltage range should the transformer output? The only information the transformer lists for output is 50 watts, nothing else. I’m getting about 9 volts AC on the output terminals on the transformer no matter where the controller is set, I can’t imagine that is right.
How do I connect power to the track? My only experience with model railroading was 30+ years ago and that was with HO. I had a special track that I would connect the power wires to, and that would transfer power to the track. I’m assuming I need something similar for O gauge but I don’t have it.
The cars have 2 different type of couplers that don’t interconnect, one type looks like a knuckel coupler similar to what is on a real train, the other have some type of flat couplers that you rotate together to couple/uncouple. Is it possible to change the couplers so they all will work together or get some type of adapter?
Pictures would help, sounds like a mix of Lionel and possbily Marx couplers. Most O gauge runs on AC power, but there was a period of time in the late 70s and early 80’s that Lionel sets under the MPC/Fundimensions label were DC powered with a small can type motor. On a typical Lionel transfomer you will have terminals labled A, U and something else. A and U go to the track and are the variable power. The other terminal is for accessories and lights. Get some pictures uploaded of what you got and I can help you out much more. Mike
Sounds like some of them have Marx “Tilt” or “Fork” couplers. Do any of the ones shown on this page: https://dfarq.homeip.net/marx-couplers-explained/ look like what you have? If so, you can easily drill out the rivets that hold the truck to the frame and replacethe whole thing with another type of truck that has the couplers you want. If you can’t rivet them, use a thin bolt inserted through the bottom and a couple of washers and a nut (preferably locking) to get rolling.
Most O gauge runs on AC but Lionel did make some DC engines in the 70’s.
I’m not trying to hijack this thread, but seeing the locomotive shell reminds me… I have the shell and cowcatcher of a Lionel 1664. It seems a shame not to have a motor or trucks for such a nice casting. (I didn’t see much listed for parts on the World Wide Garage Sale) Snip dona nobis pacem
