I am looking for anyone that may know where I can get a complete parts list for a Lionel KW-190 Transformer. I am trying to fix my transformer which hasn’t been used since the 60’s if it is possible. I know where to get a new Circuit Breaker, and Whistle/Horn Rectifier, but I also have the Whistle handle broke off of what looks like a cast aluminum shaft that moves to A or B to make the whistle’s work. Also there is a piece of what looked like some kind of carbon that goes through the Whistle Rectifier and is attached to the Rectifier with a clip. The carbon or whatever it is just crumbled. I may have other problems but these are the obvious. Any help would be appreciated. I am wanting to sell all of my post war Lionel trains and accesories. My kids and Grandkids are not interested like I was when I waa boy. Thanks
Olsens has it. Email me and I can return email you the PFD file for that transformer.
You’ve got several emails. Good luck.
If you go to the root page, you can find many post-war maintenance manuals, no need for a middleman.
gunrunnerjohn, link didn’t work for me.
I don’t know what the difference is but the second link works.
Thanx!
That’s really odd, both of them look to have the exact same content! [?]
WOW, somehow the content of that link is totally scrambled, never had that happen before.
I suggest you replace the rectifier with a diode. A 5 amp diode works well. Check Radio Shack.
I am sure you can bring your KW back to life. I never saw one that was not repairable.
They are good transformers. I have 4 of them, and I expect them to last another 50 years. Check the carbon rollers and see if they are worn out. They are relatively easy to replace.
Also, I would lube everything with 5W-20 motor oil, especially the whistle controller. It will make the whistle controller work much easier.
I’ve been repairing trains and transformers for a long time, I have rarely applied lubricant inside a transformer.
Many of the repairs I’ve had to do were caused by people putting lubricants were they don’t belong, using the wrong kind, or using too much.
A fellow poster suggested lubricanting a specific part of the concentric voltage control assembly on a KW in order to resolve a common problem where moving one handle can cause the other to creep slightly. I think I will try that on the KW I am currently servicing.
Well, that’s relative. You have to pop the top plate off the KW to get to the rollers, in the ZW you can just replace them by taking off the top cover.