I have several post war American Flyer trains and accessories. The original transformer that I have is too small or worn out to run both the trains and the accessories.
I looked at a new MRC 600 transformer I believe, but the constant power said it was 18 volts. I noticed on my original transformer that the constant power base was 15 volts.
Can I use this transformer without burning up my accessories, such are sawmill, barrell loader, milk car etc.
Is there a better choice of transformer. I don’t want to spend a lot of money, but I need something that will run both trains and accessories.
The Lionel 12198 would be a great choice for Flyer equipment. Full 5 watts continuous output at 0-18 volts for the track, with adjustable 0-18 volts output for accessories. Quite a bargain at the street price of about $40-$50 for units from set break-ups($124.95 Catalog/MSRP).
Thank you this information is very helpful. The area I live in does not have many good train stores, is there a reliable online site that may have the transformer described. When I first looked on lionel’s site, the price of the transformers, was more than I wanted to pay. If I could pick one up for $40 to $50 dollars that would be in my price range.
Well first you run two than 3… than add another accessory, than another loop of track… best bet just buy a post war ZW! They are very reliable and very reasonably price right now. I can run 6 trains on 2 separate controled loops and over 30 accessories on another separate controler, and I have one extra contoler to boot for switches…over 3 hours of continuous running and she only gets slightly warm…plus the look very cool…
I’m a novice.I have 50s af small set.The trf is apparently bad and need replacement. I saw your 2008 post but when I used the link, there were choices that confused me.
The set was given to me by my parents. I qant to give to a young friend with 3 small children. Could you please give me a current link for a unit you think would work. Thank you in advance.
Welcome Dennis! Any contemporary AC transformer stocked by hobby shops and made by/ for American Flyer, Lionel, MTH, or MRC should work with that 1950’s Flyer set. If you want a vintage original Flyer transformer I’d suggest trainz.com and search for “American Flyer Transformers.”
I’m sure the Flyer fans will chime in on this.
I prefer vintage transformers for my trains- any vintage American Flyer transformer with a 50w rating or higher will be plenty for a simple Flyer set. A decent vintage flyer transformer in working order can be had for anywhere from $20 to $150, depending on how high end it is, what condition it is in, and how much the seller wants for it.
Personally, I would suggest something with a plastic case like a 15B, 16B, 22030, or 22035- metal-case transformers can run the risk of being an electrocution hazard if the wiring has not been checked over by someone who knows what they’re doing, as a failed wire could touch the case and electrify it. I have never encountered this on any American Flyer transformers, but it is a common problem with old Märklin transformers.
Because you’re running a vintage set, there is not much to be gained from a modern transformer, but no harm either. I am less experienced with the “ins and outs” of newer transformers as I have worked with far fewer of them.
One more thing- while your transformer may be no good, I would warn you that most old model trains, no matter how well they were cared for, do not want to work properly after many years of storage- even if they ran perfectly when put away. Before you assume a transformer will fix your problems, you should also consider that the locomotive is going to need maintenance. Just about every old American Flyer engine I have owned or repaired has needed work of some kind, be it a simple cleaning and lubrication, or repacing worn out parts and bad wiring. Be prepared to either repair it yourself, or take it to someone who can repair it for you.
