Hello,
I just purchased a vintage Lionel GG-1 #2332 (1947 version so I’m told) There is a switch on the top of the engine that moves from side to side. I cannot find any information online that describes it’s function.
I model in HO scale but this is my first O scale locomotive. I’d like to purchase some track and a transformer to run it for my grandkids. I don’t need a fancy transformer, something simple and basic. I’ve seen some on Ebay while I was searching for the locomotive. I believe the locomotive has only one motor so a high power transformer isn’t necessary.
Thanks very much,
Jim Rohrbach
Lionel trains of that era were equipped with a mechanical e-unit that allows them to reverse directions. The switch turns the e-unit on or off. If it’s on you will hear a buzzing sound and the engine will rotate, forward-neutral-reverse-neutral with every power interuption. If you turn it off the engine will remain in the last direction it was going.
That locomotive will need 6 to 18 volts a.c. to run. A vintage Lionel 1033 transformer will run that locomotive, some lighted cars and maybe a couple of turnouts - assuming you will be running on a simple loop of track with a siding. A modern Lionel CW80 power supply will also do the same thing.
Both of these are common on e bay.
Good luck and have fun.
Ditto everything that’s been said so far. I agree that for a vintage transformer, the 1033 is a great choice. It’s simple, compact, and very capable. It’s cousin, the 1044, is an equally good choice, and has the exact same specs, just with a different appearence.
These transformers are also nice because of the different voltage outputs they can deliver- it can be wired to deliver 0-11 volts to the track for a lighter load, or 5-16 for a heavier one. I suspect that you’ll almost always be using the latter configuration for your GG1.
You also can take advantage of constant voltage outputs for operating accessories and lighted buildings- when wired correctly to an accessory, the 1033/1044 can deliver constant voltage of 5 volts, 11 volts, or 16 volts. The transformer says on it which terminals to connect to give you each of these outputs, as do the old instruction manuals.
Also as mentioned, the CW-80 is a great moden transformer if you want to use something that isn’t vintage. You could certainly make a case for the CW-80 being objectively better than the 1033/1044, but for your stated needs there’s probably nothing the CW-80 has to offer that the 1033/1044 doesn’t.
I would also throw in the RW transformer. These transformers were rated at 110 watts, and can deliver 5-16 volts or 9-19 volts variable voltage, depending how you wire the transformer to the track. The latter range isn’t practical for O gauge trains, and is more suited to older standard gauge trains. The transformer also offers several fixed voltage outputs.
Hope this helps you decide whi
