Gabe the Lamplighter, How does it work?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I got an ORIGINAL Gabe today, and under the controller there is a yellow and black wire that I asume connects to a 14V fixed AC power supply…It doesn’t work. What am I doing wrong?

2

WOW an original Gabe the Lamplighter!!![bow]

Black on the base, yelow on the fixed voltage. press then release the green button to cause the man to climb the ladder. Press the red button and turn approximate a 1/4 turn to light lamps. To return the man to the bottom of the ladder press the center button

Jim

3

Hi Jim, I’m not sure what you mean, "black on the base? Ed

4

I’m thinking by jims answer your missing the control button to it.

5

If you have a Flyer transformer, there should be a terminal marked “base”. If you’re using a Lionel transformer, use the common terminal. “Base” is to Flyer what “common” is to Lionel.

6

Ed,

The answers you received are spot on, provided you have the 3 button controller. So let us all know, how does Gabe work??

Thanks,

George

7

When the green button is pushed a modified e unit activates and the drum turns winding up a string that goes through a pulley to Gabe. Each push raises him up the ladder a rung or two. The center button releases the pawl on the drum to let Gabe go down the ladder. The red button is just a switch.

Here is the repo version

Original are very sought after (i.e. $$$$$)

Jim

8

Yes, I do have the correct button. Now I know what you meant, “base” I have a Lionel transformer. I didn’t know “Base” was the common, but I assumed that. I will try it today again. Thanks for all your help. Ed

9

I always wished one of the companies would have had him lighting the old gas lights instead of modern beacons … with flickering bulbs and all .