I have several transformers that I’ve picked up. They range in age from '57 back into the '20s. Please reccomend some repair/restoration shops or websites relevant to this. Also, is there a SIMPLE way to bench test these things?
I don’t know about shops but you could check them your self.
First do a visual inspection of the cord , case, & terminals.
looking for cracked cords & cases and broken, loose, or missing terminals.
If all is well , with handls in off plug into a grounded power strip with a 15a breaker.
Using a volt meter check the power at the output terminals wile you slowly iincrease the throttle.
If all is well hook it up to a loop of track and run a test train. Check to see if it gets warm or hot.
If unsure take them to a local hobby store. In most cases all that is needed is a new cord and a new roller.
Boonter,
Most Lionel transformers have a data plate indicating the model designation of the transformer (e.g., 1033, ZW, K). Please post this information so we can get a better idea of what you have. I don’t recommend trying to repair transformers from the '20’s; they don’t offer a continuously variable throttles nor circuit breakers. Little 25-45W starter set transformers usually don’t have a circuit breaker either, and it’s usually cheaper to buy a working replacement at a train show than to pay a shop to repair one.
You should probably take a transformer of questionable origin to a shop to have it examined.
I only say this because they should have equipment to do tests on the transformer that you probably don’t have. Any transformer should have a high voltage test for a current leak from the primary to secondary coil, something that could be dangerous. Other than that, you will need a new cord and a new rollers if your transformers have them.
Also, as mentioned above, your 1920s transformers are probably best left on the shelf. Most of them are known as step transformers, which raise the voltage by 1 1/2-2 volts with each movement of the throttle, and not the fine control available from more modern multitap transfomers.
None of those old transformers were built to todays safety standards. The internal wiring can degrade and short against the metal casings and become a shock or fire hazard. If you are not familiar with the internals of these transformers it is safest to take them to a service station to be checked out. The lionel (www.lionel.com) website has a dealer locator that can list the authorized service stations in your area.
Regards,
Tim Pignatari