From a retired electrician here's a tip. Would strongly recommend that you use a GFCI or better yet combination AFCI/GFCI that provides ground fault ( shock ) and arc fault protection. If you do replace the power cord would only use a 3 wire cord. In transformer only had a plastic case attach the green wire to transformer. We had two sets of American Flyer trains and my electrician dad purchased a mulitivolt transformer to supply power to lights inside houses. My dad would make a drawing how to wire everything. Told me to call him if I ran into trouble. Had so much fun playing with train wired that I spent 50 enjoyable years as an industrial electrician.
Great video! Your voice reminds me of Neil Peart's so much. He was the drummer for Rush. His nickname was The Professor. You're the professor of Ole Skool Trains!
Hi Mike: When you put up the sketch/schematic of the "ZW" transformer, I recognized it immediately as the transformer that Gomez Addams had connected to his train set. First; he'd push the "RIGHT" side lever forward, and #1 steam -engine train would start to move. Then, he'd push the "LEFT" lever forward, and #2 Steam locomotive would start moving (In The OPPOSITE DIRECTION)! Then... He ran them HEAD -ON into each other when they met in the middle of a bridge. Then, he BLEW -UP the bridge! Well... Thanks for revealing to me Mike, that Gomez Addams "ZW" transformer is REAL! You've answered a question I've had for the past 55 years! Thanks again Mike. Jeff
Very early washing machines were wired like that early style transformer. I leaned against one while it was washing clothes and got a shock of my life.
I've got one of the old pre-war tapped "doorstop use only" transformers powering my laptop right now! It's running off an isolated inverter power supply at double voltage and 500Hz AC, so no direct connection to the mains or large fault current available. Great video!
circuit breakers do not protect you from electric shock. Standard circuit bkrs measure load. Ground fault offers protection against electrical shock because they measure return neutral current.
As I'm fortunate to have (2)Rws, (2)Zws (1)kw and the MTH 4000 I'm good on my power needs. However My go to transformer for just playing with a temporary living room layout would be one of my Rws. I love how they have plenty of power for two trains running on separate loops, and its easy to pick up and move when you're done. Great tips on ensuring everything being in phase when using multiple transformers. "I learned the hard way" Rip Cw80.😢.
I would trust a rattlesnake with a 'pet me' sign before I trust those old circuit breakers. First off, they automatically reset, so if one is not paying attention, they will trip, then cool, then trip again because the short circuit is still present. I have seen dozens fused closed over my years restoring trains, which means, in essence, that there is then no functioning breaker inside. I always strongly recommend people use external push button reset breakers. Second, Lionel used one breaker for all transformers. These breakers had a set screw on them This screw adjusted the amount of power (And therefore heat generated) can pass through the breaker before it tripped. In theory the screw was set the right way at the factory, but a theory holds little weight when electrical safety hangs in the balance. A few degrees turn of the screw can be the difference between a fire and safe operation.
There's actually an old school Lionel transformer that I've had my eye on, but I don't remember what model it was. All I know is that it has a Christmas version with mistletoe and such on the face plate.
@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks Found the transformer I was talking about. It's a 1033. Actually the online store I seen this transformer at has an American Flyer 8B with a Christmas theme faceplate as well. I'm wondering now if someone just made a custom faceplate for the two transformers because of just how good they look.
I bought a couple CW 80 transformers. They are showing up at train shows brand new for $20.00. Real cheap. Someone told me it's because they were phased wrong from the factory. Lionel had a bad batch but they work fine if used alone I'm told.
My understanding is that SOME CW80s were phased incorrectly, but not all. Also, some of the later CW80s had a batch of bad boards in them. I find the early ones work well.
Hello, I recently purchased an Atlas Trainman O scale 2 rail DC locomotive will my MRC DC transformer I've been using for HO locos work without damaging either the loco and or transformer. Thanks
There’s so many transformers to choose from. The ZW, Z4000, Right of Way 2020 (said to be the best transformer ever made), and the ZWL. However the bigger the layout, the more watts you need. Ever thought of getting a 400 watt transformer?
For my layout, no. I am set up for multiple operators set up in various locations around the layout. I also use a zone configuration for accessories with smaller transformers powering the accessories in different areas of the layout. By using common bus wiring and keeping all the transformers in phase I have more than enough power for my needs at an overall lower cost per watt than with a big block transformer. If everything was controlled from a single location, I may reconsider.
I got tired of my engines slowing down at furthest point on where power was attached. Would solder all the tracks together making sure to file & sand paper top & inside side wall smooth. Would then solder a wire every 3 feet and tie them together to make a loop around tracks. Last two times I set my trains up my son's only spent at most 5 minutes running them the first day then maybe a minute days later and list all interest in them. Finally sold them.
Here's a more complicated answer than you were expecting. I don't use a central operating point for my railroad. Instead, each sub-section has it's own available power. However, thanks to 2P6T rotary switches, each transformer has the capability of powering the entire layout. That gives the operator the choice of power based on 1) where do I want to stand? 2) Am I running Postwar or Modern and does the whistle/horn work better on a throttle of comparable age? 3) AC or DC power? 4) Personal favorite. So, my current choices are: K-Line RailChief, Lionel CW-80, Lionel RW, or Marx/Allstate 1825 (with DC power converter) for the tracks. I used to have a Lionel 1033 connected to a dimmable remote for walk-around power, but the dimmer unit died. Accessories are powered by a Lionel 1033 (16v and 11v bus lines), and 2 K-Line "Black Box" starter set transformers (for the Operating Cattle Car and Operating Freight Station, respectively, so I can fine-tune the power for these finicky accessories). On my workbench, I have a Lionel "Black box" starter set transformer and a small Life-Like power pack when I need DC power.
For liability reasons, I choose to avoid videos encouraging people to play around with things that can kill them - especially since I am not an electrician. I leave transformer "innerds" to the experts and certified repair people. Thanks for watching!!
I must admit, i have 12 type a to type t's. About 30 or more of the old ones. Use them.repair the cord and put a 5amp breaker on the u post. And one one the number one post for accesories. If u want. I adore mine. Oldest one i have is about 110 years old. And is a champ. Ps do not plug them in untill you open it up and see whats what.
Pps i like the american flyers, 1250 to 1266 are awesome. 75 to 150 watts and way smoother arm and more voltage selection. Im gonna put some lights on em for power and short indicator.
If your DCC system requires AC power (or DC power with a rectifier), the answer is yes, BUT...since these older power sources predate the sensitive electronic components in many modern locomotives, you must add some safety features to protect your modern locomotives. Specifically, TVS diodes (essentially "surge protectors") should be added to your transformer outputs (or better yet in the locomotive itself near the circuit board). amzn.to/3Ozyl87 These diodes are bi-directional and should be wired across BOTH the hot and common side of the circuit.
OK, so I just went to an estate sale bought a Apple box worth of at least five transformers including some labeled Lionel have a smaller box with other things that I think Connect I’m new to this. I think I have a good amount of money. I even think I have some pre-war marks trains, can you help me?
Good Video and just as I was looking for- almost. The transformer in the most of the video is like the one I have. I can not figure out how to the the outer case off of it? There are 4 screws on the bottom plate, there are also what appear to be standoff's, with no visable way to remove those except for drilling them out.... Surely there is a way to get inside this transformer without having to drill those 4 (I'll call them posts or standoffs) out to open it up. I've just unpacked this after nearly 55 years in storage. It came with the Lionell 681 engine, tender, oil tanker, milk car, a caboose. The arm on the 'speed control' is very rough to move from off to full power. Binds in the middle a bit. IDEAS ???
My transformer is still boxed from my recent move. I will try to dig it out and take a look at the screws. I have a 1033 of the same era that uses Phillips screws.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks I got it figured out. The 4 screws on the bottom are all that need to be removed. After that there are a couple of tabs that need to be straightened then the top just pops off of it. Don't know why I didn't see that first time around.
@@avflyguy Did all Lionel 681 steam engines (sets) come with that transformer..? I am a newbie as I inherited my grandfather's Lionel engines and locomotives..? I am only keeping the Lionel 681 with a 2671WX tender, Sunoco 2 dome tank, 6457 caboose... I'd like to find some O gauge track and transformer. But as I stated, I am new to model trains, but soaking up as much as I can. Any guidance is greatly appreciated... Thank you for your time sir
I bought a Bachmann electric ⚡️ train 🚂 set about 8 years ago. It came with a length of track (about 8 feet 👣 long), and included the transformer, locomotive, and cars 🚗. I’ve watched actual trains, with 14 locomotives pulling it. I wanted to add the same excitement to my home 🏠 train set. Even if I had to buy two more identical train sets to gain more track length for all the locomotives, I’ve asked at a few hobby shops 🏬. I think the added track is okay, but they say having 14 locomotives on my train set will burn the transformer 🆙. Is there a transformer that can handle 14 locomotives? I bought this train set around 2013. I want to enjoy 😊 my train set MY WAY, but I don’t want to face transformer burnout, or possibly a fire hazard. Do ya have a recommendation on what transformer I can use, even if it’s $200.00? It’s also said that the included transformer still may not be able to handle 2 locomotives. The hobby shop says even this could burn my transformer out. Can this, in turn, also burn the locomotives out? I know that locomotives are not cheap to buy. Like 👍 you said, I got a starter set, and the transformer is just powerful enough to run what locomotive was included in the train set. Sorry 😞 about the long comment, but please can ya tell me what transformer I should buy, if I want to have 14 locomotives in the set? I just subbed to your RU-vid channel!! Your friend, Jeff!!
It sounds like you have an HO or N scale Bachmann set. You will not find a transformer capable of powering 14 motors at once. Modelers overcome this by adding non-powered, or "dummy" locomotives to make it LOOK like they have multiple units. BTW, if you saw a train with 14 units, all of them were not operating. The maximum number of units in multiple unit operation is 8.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks Yes, you’re right. Not all locomotive 🚂 train motors are geared exactly alike, and the electric ⚡️ motors don’t run 🏃♀️ at the exact same speed. Since different manufacturers 👨 make different locomotives (and even amongst the same manufacturer), two locomotives may try to push or pull against each other, causing unsatisfactory performance 🎭. This can be very disappointing with electric trains. My transformer is simply a modern plastic one ☝️. I was going to try two locomotives, but I’m afraid 😳 even that will burn it out. I’ve also got a tip for you, but you probably already know. Never 👎 use steel wool to clean 🧼 ANY locomotive train parts, or the track. This may be tempting, but steel wool is the ultimate train 🚊 killer. 🔜 as ya put the locomotive on the tracks, any metal “fuzz” will become attracted to the magnets 🧲 inside the locomotive, shorting them out. In other words, your train set will be ruined 😠. The very same thing also applies to slot cars 🚗. Sorry 😞 about all my emoji’s. I seem to have fun 🤩 with them along the way. Your friend, Jeff.
@@jeffreyhickman3871 The determining factor for the number of motors you can run is the wattage/amperage of the transformer. In HO or N most starter set transformers can handle 2-3 amps maximum, which is around 4 can motors working under heavy load.
i have a question I have a Round the Pole model airplane set up that i bought shiped from the Uk There transformer is Not wired for Usa , i need about 14 volts DC to fly the airplane I tried a 12 volt car battery but just lacked enough power to fly , the airplane motor is 6 thru 12 volt motor but the problem is the power loss down the fly lines to the model , Do you have any idea if a DC train transformer would work for me ??
Do you happen to know the wattage/amperage of the original transformer? An HO scale DC power pack will provide the voltage you require, but if the power is insufficient it may not work. Try to find a source that matches both the voltage and the wattage of the original unit.
I bought a Gilbert American flyer 8b to make an archery feather burner, the tutorials I've watched, they bend a piece of high resistance NiChrome wire and bend it to the shape they want the feather, then hook one wire to one side of the NiChrome wire and another to the other end, then hook those wires to the middle and left "base" post of the transformer. My problem is the green light comes on for half a second and then the red light comes on, I'm assuming that means there's a short? I'm definitely no electrician, the tutorials on feather burners I've watched used cheaper transformers without a reset button but idk. If you have any advice I'd greatly appreciate it and if I simply can't use this unit for my project, if you have a cheaper version that's at least 35 amps I'd mail you mine if you'd want to trade. I don't know much about this train hobby but it looks awesome, I wouldn't want to destroy a transformer with collectibility on a feather burner if you could use it
I watched a video on the process to get an idea of what is going on. Nichrome wire is nothing new to model trains as they are used in the smoke units of model steamers. The issue appears to be the resistance of the wire in this application is greater than the tolerance of the circuit breaker in the 8b. Not being an electrician myself, I cannot determine if the problem is a faulty breaker, too much wire, etc. I know that some older breakers are more sensitive than others, so it might be an issue with this individual transformer or not. I wish I could provide more help for you. Thanks for watching!
What does the transformer do with no load? Does it still trip the breaker? If so, there's a short inside the transformer itself, which is not uncommon in 60 year old components.
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks thank you for the advice, I took it apart last night and there was a bare spot in a cloth insulated wire, i covered it with several layers of liquid electrical tape and put a good layer on the rest of the wires, I'm thinking that was definitely the problem and I'll try it again today, that liquid electric tape is good stuff, I just wanted it to be super dry before I tried it again. If it doesn't work this time, I'd be happy to mail it to you for nothing, I'll toss it if not and buy a factory feather burner lol, I'm over this diy project!
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks also, the plug wire, i replaced it with a new one, the old one was ok till a foot out of the transformer so I cut it about 4 inches out and with crimp sleeves added a new one. My question is, does it matter which side of the outlet goes where? Most wires are color coded, my new cord had the usual black and white wires under the outside insulation but the old transformer just had the two black coated wires, could I have gotten it backwards? Im definitely not an electrician! I've been a welder for 30 years but man, trouble shooting electrical problems just ain't my thing.
@@OldIronVideo Ok. Yes, the small can motors on those locomotives should be okay on a G scale DC transformer in theory. Make sure you don't exceed 12 volts or so just to be sure.
Everyone: puts new cord on transformer No one: No one at all: Not even 1442: Engine 1988: Let's put volty tape on all the wires so that they don't make a short circuit!
I only have that transformer you said not to use from my grandparents and no money so I guess no trains for a while because I do not want to be unalived by electricity. :(
Not knowing your particular setup, you may be able to find small starter-set transformers (25-50 watt) for less than $20 at a train show/swap meet. Most long-time dealers/collectors have more of them than they know what to do with. (Online purchases are not a great option because of the weight of transformers - shipping will cost much more than the value of the transformer). Unless you are running multi-motor engines or lots of lighted cars, one of these should provide safe, basic operation.
I got a type R 100 watt transformer and I need to know how to solder some wires back on. Only the right side works and I know that you are supposed to use A-C and B-C outputs for controllable power. Also, I found the thing for 27$.
@@4d_giraffe I would use posts B-C and B-F. The "A" posts will give you 24volts which is too much power unless you're running Prewar Standard Gauge trains. As far as soldering wires, if something is broken loose inside the case, I leave that to professionals. Ask local Lionel folks if they know someone who works on transformers or find an electrician. I am neither and I really don't want to get sued for giving advice on the Web that leads to a disaster.
