Replacing the cord on a Lionel V Transformer

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Can anyone walk me through the process of replacing the cord of this transformer. The cord is cut at the exit of the body of the transformer. Can I splice a new cord onto the remaining part of the old cord? When I removed the base, it looks like I will have to remove and resolder some of the wiring to replace the power cords. Any input would be helpful.

2

Splicing the wire stubs is not a good idea. You are better off getting a new length of wire and plug, the soldering to where the wires hook up to now. Try and use a plug where both spades are the same width so as to reverse the poleraity if needed when phasing transformers. Put what is called an underwrighter’s knot in the cord where it exits the case to prevent strain on the solder joints

Jim

3

I’ve changed the cord on a Z, which I believe is basically identical to the V other than the size of the core.

Here’s the basic procedure as I rememember it:

  1. On the bottom, under the base plate, unsolder all of the thich varnished copper wires. I believe that there will be two on the circuit breaker, and one connected somewhere else.

  2. Now, flip the transformer over. Remove the knobs by placing pairs of screw drivers under opposite sides of them, and prying up(you may want to put paper under the knobs or tape the screwdriver heads to keep from marring the face plate). Once you’ve removed the knobs, you can remove the hex head screws from each of the four corners of the face plate. Then, lift the face plate off, which should expose two large flathead screws. Remove these, and you should be able to lift off the top cover.

  3. Carefully flip the transformer back over, and remove the four flathead screws that are buried in the ridges close to the walls. Be sure you hold the metal bracket which supports the lamps and top gears while doing this.

  4. Carefully flip the transformer back over, still holding the bracket. Now, lift bracket clear of the transformer core and set it aside(unless you unsoldered some other wires, it should still be tethered to the transformer. This is fine).

  5. You should now be able to carefully pick up the core and lift it out of the case(you may need to bend and wiggle the wires some to get them to pass through their respective holes). Flip it over, and you’ll see the solder points for the line cord. Replace it.

While you have it this far apart, it would be a good idea to clean any carbon deposits off the core(using a soft cloth and some sort of mild solvent-I like CRC QD electronics cleaner). You can also replace the lower roller, although, in my experience, they’re usually okay since they’re tied to the small, fixed voltage knobs. Also, check the solder joints down there.

Now, do everything in reverse t

4

Beware. Your transformer may work just fine when you replace the cord. But deliberately cutting a power cord is often a way of preventing anyone from trying to use a defective appliance. I would be suspicious that someone was trying to warn you of some more serious and dangerous fault in the transformer. So proceed with caution.

5

Thanks for everyones help. I think I used the wrong term when I said “cut”. The cord was down to the wires on one side of the cord where it exits the base. It looks like this occured from the cord being bent around the exit of the transformer if that makes sense.