Hello to all, this is my first post since we are brand new to the toy train scene. My son received a Lionel Lines Ready to Run Set that included the Lionel train, fastrack and Powermax transformer. We have added some extra track and a lighted crossing signal and it runs great! I bought some of the Area 51 alien cars and the dual engine locomotive that went with the set. When we run the locomotive, it will run but there is a loud humming noise that comes from the engines and when he tries to use the horn, it’s doesn’t sound like a train horn. I was wondering if this might have something to do with the transformer possibly not being powerful enough to run the locomotive or could there be a problem with the locomotive itself? I don’t know what this particular train horn should sound like but it definitely sounds nothing like the one that came with it. Any help or ideas would be much appreciated!
Misty,
First [#welcome] to the boards! Looks like we have another newbie in the hobby! [tup]
I would recommend reviewing this other post as it sounds like something similiar…
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/1050288/ShowPost.aspx
Brent
First of all, [#welcome]. As to your current situation, a few questions are in order. First, did you get this set at a local hobby shop? If so, and if they have a layout, you could test run the engine there. Secondly, have you tried the engine on a smaller loop of track without the crossing signal or any other attachments?
I am leaning to a couple of things that may help. First, the Powermax transformer is a very basic, low power transformer meant for small layouts. You may be taxing its output to use a dual motor engine. For a relatively small investment, you can get a more powerful transformer for your needs, but you will have to decide what the largest needs will be. I do not have the Powermax, but heard it was less power than a CW80, which is also limited.
Also, I am not sure of the engine you have, but if you lubricate it according to directions, and let it break in by running for an hour or so in each direction, that should get it running well.
You can’t go wrong with doing the above. That said, every so often, some problems with new engines/transformers happen. If the above does not solve your problems, try giving Lionel Technical a call. My experience has been that they are very receptive and correct the problem quickly.
Good luck and welcome to the hobby. You will find the folks here to be very helpful.
Dennis
Thanks for the welcome, I hope to learn a lot from this board! I saw that post and it definitely sounds like the same thing. I believe that is the same transformer I have and that’s what is making me think that I need to upgrade to a larger one. I was concerned that there was a problem with the locomotive I just bought (it was used) but appears to be in excellent condition and I am only having problems with this locomotive and not the original one. I am wondering if it’s something to do with the dual engines on this new one. All the lighting works on the locomotive, its just the loud humming type noise coming from it. Thanks again for any info.
And yes, this train set was bought for my 7 yr old son, unfortunately I have become quite attached to it and probably play with it more than him! It’s quite addicting!
My sister got it at Target right after the holidays. We have a couple of local hobby shops so I may take it to one of the Lionel service center that’s about 40 miles away and see if they can take a look at it. No, I haven’t tried it on a small loop of track, that will be my next step since you mentioned it. As for the transformers, I would like to upgrade to something that is simple to use but will run the trains plus some additional lighting accessories. I have looked at the CW80 and thought that was what I had until I pulled out the paper work and realized we had the Powermax. What would you suggest, if it is a transformer problem, that would be easy to connect ( I have very little experience in electrical connections) but still able to run every thing I need? I don’t plan on expanding on the track layout (currently on a 8x4 board) anytime in the near future.
mistyk11,
First, if you give a area of the country you live, perhaps some from here are close to you and can recommend clubs, shops, etc. to help. Secondly, the choice for a transformer is very subjective…you will probably get several suggestions, but off the top of my head, Williams makes a good transformer, so does MRC. I believe MTH and Lionel have some between 100 and 190 watts for a little over $100. You may be able to get a reconditioned Lionel KW for less than $100, but you should put in a surge protector or fuse/circuit breaker to protect your electronics and trains. For those with minimal electrical know how (not a put down, but we have all been there and need to be honest with our abilities), I would suggest a new transformer like the Williams with about 150 watts. One good thing about these transformers, if your needs increase, you can designate your less powerful transformer to accessories and put a new transformer to use running trains.
Since you are running Fastrack, you can also get some information on the Yahoo group of the same name. While most of the information you can get here, some sections on the Yahoo group have photos and layout plans that may help you. I am not trying to push another group, but do want you to have a positive experience with the hobby. Another good idea is to visit the Lionel web site as they have a section with layouts. Lastly, there is a book on Fastrack and a DVD on “building an o gauge layout” that all will help. The DVD is a great help.
Good luck and I look forward to seeing you post and your progress. I got back into the hobby after getting my son a trainset.
Dennis
I am in the Hi Desert area near Victorville, CA-I would love to receive some ideas reference clubs, shops, etc. I just set up a small loop of track (40x60) and tried it and still got the same noise. I noticed that when I tried to push the button for the bell, it greatly reduced the power to the train and almost made it come to a complete stand still.
Regarding the Fastrack book, I did buy the Lionel Fastrack Book and that is where I got the layout that I currently have (inner/outer loop with manual switches) that is for the 8x4 board. I will take the locomotive to one of the local service centers and see if they have the same problem. I will also join the yahoo group since they are geared toward the fastrack ideas (even though I frequently lurk on this forum and learn more everyday!). I plan on looking into one of the transformers you suggested since I plan on getting more accessories and will probably need a larger transformer, even if that isn’t my main problem. Thanks Dennis for all your help and if there are any other ideas, please let me know. If I figure out the problem, I will post the solution and maybe help some other newbie out there!
I know we have several folks out in CA, but I am not sure how far they are from you. Doug down in San Diego is a member of the club there. Even if it is not close to you, you should take a ride down there as it is very impressive. As for the help, we all help each other. Good luck,
Dennis
Mistyk11,
Welcome to this forum.
The PowerMax transformer is truly not very powerful. It was designed for “big box” stores like Target to sell at an attractive price. From everything I have read, it will run the train that it came with, but not a lot more. You will notice that it does not have any accessory posts. It probably doesn’t have enough "spare’ power to run much more than a single-motor locomotive pulling a short string of lightweight cars – pretty much what came with it – and no more.
Since you are new to toy trains permit me to pass on a fact of life: transformers are to train nuts as boats are to sailors. Whatever you buy, you’ll soon want a bigger one.[:)] I’m afraid with the PowerMax, “soon” comes rather quickly. Still, it can be a lot of fun even if it only does what it was designed for.
Tell me, when you try to run the two-motored locomotive and blow the horn/whistle, does the green pilot light on the transformer blink?
No they didn’t blink, just noticed the locomotive slowed to almost a stop when pressing the bell button. It did not do that with the horn button. The light did blink when my son sat both the single engine AND dual engine locomotive on it…like I figured it would! I still think, on top of the lack of power on the transformer that there may be an issue with the locomotive…
mistyk11,
You may well be correct. Swapping components out piece by piece is probably the best way to isolate the problem.
I have an Area 51 engine. The horn is more like a buzzer, thats just the way they are. As for the hum, Id guess you need a higher output transformer. The Area 51 set came with the old style 40 watt transformer that barely made the train run. It did have an electronic buzz to it when at low speed. Now that I run it with a 100 watt trans., it runs much better. The Area 51 stuff is pretty cool. I wish they would come out with a dummy engine or a newer engine with some cool sounds in it.
Oh, welcome to the forum. Enjoy the hobby.
Thanks Paul, your post answered another one of my questions. I didn’t know what the horn was supposed to sound like and yes, it does sound like a buzzer on mine. When the engine sits in idle, there is no buzz. It’s only when it powers up and starts to run. The buzz sound diminshes a bit while it’s moving but that could be because of the other sounds drowning it out. I will start my search for a larger transformer. Everyone be ready, I’m sure I’ll have plenty of questions when I find it!!! My husband is going to kill me when he finds out I’m spending more $$ on the train set!
Hi Dennis, you spoke of a DVD called “Building an O Gauge Layout”.
Would you happen to know if this dvd covers fastrack?
Ihave this book that you are talking about,but it doesn’t say anything about using fastrack on a helix.
Can you help me?
Thanks
Allan
choochoo1, the DVD does mostly cover fastrack, but if you are looking for a helix, it is not in the DVD. The video does have plenty of usefull information. I have heard of some folks trying a helix, but I have not seen one. If your helix is to be hidden, you may be better served with a transition track and going with tubular.
Dennis
Mistyk11,
I live in Lancaster, Ca. I would be glad to look at your engine and check it out for you. If you’re in the area, drop in.
Earl
Thanks Earl I may take you up on that offer. By the way, are you familiar with a hobby store that is in in Lancaster called Smith Brothers? The Lionel website shows they are a dealer and I was looking at making at trip out there one day and was wondering how far away you may be from there?
I am 2 miles from Smith Brothers. Smith Brothers does not have a large selection of trains compared to other hobby shops. However, they have recently vastly increased their Lionel offerings. They have a Lionel layout, around 8’x8’, that is pretty much devoid of scenery. Their prices are pretty good on their sale items.
There is also a good train hobby shop in Tehachapi called Trains Etc. It used to be entirely O-Gauge but it recently changed ownership and has expanded into other gauges. I haven’t been to the store since the ownership change.
Earl
Thanks for that Earl. We’ve only been to the local hobbytown usa in Victorville and even though they can order anything we need, their selection is mainly HO and N gauge so they don’t carry a lot of O gauge. During the spring break in April, we may have to take a trip to Tehachapi since we’re really not that far away. There are several stores down in the San Bernardino area and we’re down there frequently however it would be nice to find something up in our general area. My son likes to be able to see and pick out what he wants and doesn’t like to have to wait for them to arrive via internet orders…I can’t say that I blame him!
Misty, You might want to check out the following links from the FAQ/newbie post (the first thread on the forum). The FAQ post might also have other links to help.
What transformer to use?
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/1022084/ShowPost.aspx
Should I purchase a new or old ZW? How can I run conventional locomotives remotely using new ZW? Should I update conventional engines to command control?
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/1022598/ShowPost.aspx#1022598
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/1034084/ShowPost.aspx
How do I run conventional engines with DCS?
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/1024179/ShowPost.asp
If you want the top of the line and want to run conventional engines remotely than the new ZW with TMCC cab 1 is fantastic but also very spendy ($350 for transformer and $100 for Cab 1). I waited years before I took the plunge but am glad I did. I am not saying you “must” go this route or even that you might want to. I just wanted you to consider it before spending money on intermediate transformers.
I also find when I want a smaller transformer it is a better value to just purchase a new set that is on sale. Then I get the transformer, another train, and more track. Justrains.com is where I find inexpensive sets but islandtrains.com and others are also located in the CTT magazine (they sponsor this forum) advertisements.
Jim H