Transformers

winced36 · Post by **winced36** » Thu Aug 27, 2020 10:14 am

Okay, so what can be more mundane than a discussion on power-packs (transformers). Maybe nothing, but I've recently been chasing down a few nice ones and thought I'd start a thread here detailing the ones that I have (or those that have passed through my hands).

A recent acquisition, this refurbished Lionel 1034:

: Lionel 1034 transformer; Lionel 1034.jpg (164.12 KiB) Viewed 25901 times

Manufactured 1948-1954, the 1034 came in sets only, and only those featuring a locomotive without whistle or horn. A handle for throttle control and a directional button, the 1034 is one of the "Trainmaster" line of transformers featuring an internal circuit-breaker. It pushes out 75 watts, which is more than adequate for the small-to-medium sized locos and a few accessories.

winced36 · Post by **winced36** » Thu Aug 27, 2020 6:45 pm

The Lionel LW:

: Lionel LW transformer; Lionel LW.jpg (177.35 KiB) Viewed 25894 times

Another nice postwar pack, the LW cranks 125 watts, and features buttons for directional and whistle/horn control. Manufactured from 1955 to 1966, it included an internal circuit-breaker for the occasional derailment.

A nice box, I have been using this one for the loop beneath the Christmas tree. It features enough power for the largest of O-gauge up to the prewar standard gauge behemoths. In my experience, the throttle handle can be a prone to damage, but replacements are readily available.

winced36 · Post by **winced36** » Sat Aug 29, 2020 6:01 am

An early example of the prewar Lionel Type A transformer in as-found condition:

: Lionel Type A transformer; Lionel A.jpg (179.02 KiB) Viewed 25882 times

According to the guides, variations of the Type A were manufactured from 1921 to 1937. This is one of the earliest, having just the two posts. Producing 40 watts, with button contacts, a separately sold rheostat was required if one wanted to refine the speed of operation.

winced36 · Post by **winced36** » Mon Aug 31, 2020 11:24 am

A prewar Jefferson Midget, model 535-171, a transformer manufactured by the Jefferson Electric Company of Chicago:

: Jefferson Midget transformer; Jefferson Midget.jpg (228.89 KiB) Viewed 25859 times

Advertised and sold for use with American Flyer, Ives, and Lionel electric trains, it produced 75 watts and featured both fixed and variable posts. Similar to the Lionel Type A, the Midget featured button contacts, making a rheostat necessary for fine-tuning the power applied to the track.

Founded in 1915, Jefferson Electric is still in business today.

winced36 · Post by **winced36** » Tue Sep 01, 2020 9:32 am

From the MPC era, a Lionel 4045:

: Lionel 4045 power-pack; Lionel 4045.jpg (224.24 KiB) Viewed 25849 times

A nifty, small 45-watt pack that works well with most small O-gauge locomotives. Just two posts, can be used for either track power or accessories. Manufactured in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

winced36 · Post by **winced36** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 8:43 am

Another prewar Jefferson, this the 535-121 model:

: Jefferson 535-121; Jefferson transformer.jpg (234.34 KiB) Viewed 25772 times

At 75 watts, a decent box for most applications. The instruction sheet lists many of the Ives, American Flyer, and Lionel prewar sets, including standard gauge. I've never tested this unit, but it looks to be in decent shape. The button-style voltage controller is on the side of the box, so a rheostat would be needed to refine the speed control.

winced36 · Post by **winced36** » Thu Oct 01, 2020 8:01 am

Here's a photo of Lionel's no. 81 rheostat, designed for use with the button-style transformers of the prewar era:

: Lionel 81 rheostat; Lionel 81.jpg (200 KiB) Viewed 25431 times

The 81 would be wired serially between the pack and the track terminal. Set the pack at one output, then use the rheostat to incrementally reduce the power applied to the track.

It is actually useful for many things, including varying the power to layout lighting. I have even used one to control the power applied to one of my soldering irons, which can make it much easier to solder delicate items.

javinda · Post by **javinda** » Tue Oct 13, 2020 6:36 am

I've only recently started to understand all this stuff---better late than never.....

winced36 · Post by **winced36** » Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:22 am

I don't own a Lionel ZW, but it's the undisputed king of the postwar transformers:

: Lionel ZW transformer; Lionel ZW.jpg (119.36 KiB) Viewed 22790 times

This behemoth was first offered three or four years after WWII and remained in production until the mid-1960s. The first version cranked 250 watts, followed shortly by a 275-watt version. One could run two trains and power quite a few accessories with this beast. The ZW is still coveted to the current day, and they are routinely serviced and rebuilt some seventy years later, which makes finding a nice one difficult without spending some serious money. Somewhat reminiscent of the control stand of a diesel-electric locomotive, it's an impressive box.

winced36 · Post by **winced36** » Mon Mar 22, 2021 10:31 am

A Lionel 1041 "MultiControl" transformer, offered immediately following WWII, 1945-46. A small pack, just 60 watts, but equipped with reverse (red button) and whistle-control (brown slotted button on the right):

: Lionel 1041 transformer; Lionel 1041.jpg (178.06 KiB) Viewed 22665 times

Despite its tall awkward appearance, a nice pack for the smaller, full-featured locomotives. These can be found very inexpensively, but make sure the cord is in good shape.