Hi… I have a KW transformer that I need to check out internally and test the circuit breaker function. Have removed the 4 top screws but can’t figure how the handles come off… any help appreciated. Also, can anyone direct me to a site that tells one how to recondition these? I set up my 1954 set and got things working for my 9 and 10 year old last night… the magic in there eyes was worth all the time spent cleaning rails 
and when a cars wheels shorted the track the wires to the track (thin single conductor ones that came with a clip on power connector just bought new) melted down instantly and just about burned the rug. Spooky… never recall that happening as a kid. So, I am trying to check out this KW before any major meltdowns occur again. Any help appreciated… these kids need this train running by Christmas Thanks for the help. John
John, the Classic Trains forum is a better place to post this kind of question. More of the people over there have a lot of old Lionel experience. We’d like to help here, too, but we just don’t have the know-how.
I suspect the handles of the K-dubya are press-fit on to the shafts. They should come off by pulling, but I would be very careful. The plastic is probably a bit brittle with age by this time, and you wouldn’t want to break it. If possible, clean around the shaft with a Q-tip, but leave the handles in place. There isn’t much you can re-condition inside a Lionel transformer, anyway.
Oh, and thanks for making the big effort to bring an old train back to life. I switched to HO long ago, but back when that train was new, I was running Lionels of my own. I still have to smile every time I see one, and I’m sure your kids will too. Merry Christmas!