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       #Post#: 320--------------------------------------------------
         Test trains without a transformer
       By: cbwells Date: August 2, 2013, 2:38 pm
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       If have a lot of old Lionel trains but no transformer is there a
       way to test without one  Thanks  Curt
       #Post#: 321--------------------------------------------------
       Re:   Test trains without a transformer
       By: djacobsen Date: August 2, 2013, 4:21 pm
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       Curt,
       Hello & Welcome to the Forum!
       I've been doing a little research into your question, yes there
       are ways to supply the low voltage a/c current needed to test
       your locomotives, but the cost- time & money, make them
       impracticable.
       (Hopefully someone will chime in with a wonderful inexpensive
       fix for you.)
       Options:
       Borrow a friends transformer.
       Contact your LHS, you may inquire if they have a used, low
       priced transformer you can purchase.
       a well used Marx usually runs $5.00-$10.00, or ask if you can
       bring your locomotives by if they have a test track.
       If there is a train club locally contact them, I'm certain a
       member will allow you to bring your locomotives to their layout
       to test them.  Also a member may have an extra transformer they
       will sell you.
       Then there's CraigsList, you can put an ad in their wanted
       section for a used a/c transformer.
       If  none of the above works for you and you live in the boonies,
       or can see the boonies from your front porch like I can, PM me
       or catch me on the CHAT this weekend. Fri, Sat & Sun, 8-11:30
       PM.
       Dave
       #Post#: 327--------------------------------------------------
       Re:   Test trains without a transformer
       By: Jasper Huxley Date: August 5, 2013, 11:25 am
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       In old books you can see lash-ups using car batteries and
       rheostats. In this day and age, you are going to have a far
       easier time finding a secondhand Lionel type 4044 than you will
       finding a rheostat. Plus, a proper train transformer is far
       safer for you and your trains. It's not worth getting a shock or
       burning your house down to save a buck. Whoever you sell your
       trains to won't mind buying an extra transformer with them.
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