What TRANSFORMER to use with a pre war Lionel 258 engine?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I’m new to Lionel trains and I have a Lionel #258 engine and I need a transformer to power it. Does the 1033 TRANSFORMER work? Is there a better trasformer I should use?

Thanks in advance for your help.

2

A 1033 will work just fine for the #258.
However when and if you go to more trains and track, you will need a larger transformer.

3

Thanks for the advice. I’m sure once I get the 258 working, I’ll be ready to buy more trains and track.

4

The 1033 will work fine but if you want to add accessories you may need to upgrade to a KW or type R transformer for more power. I suggest using constant voltage to your switches to work properly.
Lee F.

5

A 1033 should provide enough watts (60 continuous), but the voltage is limited to 16V. Prewar locos tend to need higher voltage. If 16V is not enough to provide adequate speed for your 258, alternatives include:

Type R - 65 W continuous, up to 24V
Type V - 110W continuous, up to 25V
Type Z - 180W continuous, up to 25V

These three transformers originated in the prewar period and were available for a few years after WWII. Postwar alternatives - RW, KW, VW, and ZW transformers - can supply up to 20V.

6

Thanks for the great advice. It has taken me over 4 months to finally get a transformer. It’s been so long I forgot my ID. :slight_smile:

I ended up getting a Type R transformer, now I just have to figure out how to connect it. From what I understand I need a “Lockon”. My transformer didn’t come with any wires or anything to connect to the train. What kind of Lockon do I get, and what kind of wires? Is there anything else I need to get started.

Thanks in advance for the help and sorry for having so many dump questions.

Eagle

7

You would just need a Lionel CTC Lockon that almost any hobby shop that carries Lionel would have in stock. They are only a few bucks. You could probably get one on-line, but you’d pay more in shipping than the cost of the lock-on.

Mitch

8

Eagle,

Don’t worry about your questions seeming “dumb”, they are not, we have all been there and had to start somewhere. As to your queary, the 1033 should be enough power for a smaller layout, as should the R. One thing to be cautious of though is that you need to make sure that the power cord is not frayed. As to your second question, yes, you should either use a lock on or solder wires directly to the underside of the rails (lock on is better to begin with). You should use about a 18 or 16 gauge wire, for your track connection from the transformer. You will want to use the adjustable range connection on the back of your transformer for this, I am not sure what the particular stud is on your transformer, but the guys here can help.

While you are at it, I suggest you do a complete service on your engine and rolling stock. Take it down, clean and lube it. Lube the axle ends too on your rolling stock. Once you get all that done, run your trains and let us know how it goes.

Good Luck,

Dennis

9

Info on 65 watt “R” transformer:

Variable voltage: {using “A” as common or ground post–wire to outside rail}

“C” post 14-24 volts.

“F” post 14-24 volts.

Fixed voltage: [using “A” as ground post]

“B” 8 volts

“D” 14 volts

----------------------------------------------------------

Variable voltage [with “B” as ground post----wire to outside rail]:

“C” 6-16 voilts

“F” 6-16 volts

Fixed Voltage [with “B” as ground post]:

“A” 8 volts

“E” 16 volts