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#Post#: 1015--------------------------------------------------
Old lionel O gauge power question
By: Jfaunce Date: February 9, 2015, 5:44 pm
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Which transformer should I use to power a 32 foot long rectangle
shape. There are no switches on track. I can run a bus line
around it. Also we have accessories that we'd like to power as
well. I'd imagine we should a seperate transformer for those.
We have the logger, coal, cattle, milk and station.
#Post#: 1016--------------------------------------------------
Re: Old lionel O gauge power question
By: TrainLarry Date: February 9, 2015, 7:20 pm
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Welcome to the forum!
You can never have too much power available for your trains and
accessories! For an older transformer, the postwar ZW at 275
watts input power cannot be beat. With 4 independent throttles,
you can run your trains on 1 throttle, and have 3 independently
adjustable throttles available to operate your accessories with
plenty of power to spare. No need for a separate transformer for
accessories if you are running just 1 train.
The postwar KW transformer at 190 watts input power is an
alternative with 2 independent throttles.
Good, used transformers are available at most Lionel dealers,
and also online. Make sure they are tested and
repaired/refurbished before purchasing one.
For a layout your size, make sure the track is clean and free of
rust and dirt, including the connecting pins. Hardware store
naphtha is the best cleaner/degreaser to use on our trains and
track, and a Scotchbrite pad can be used to remove light rust.
Do NOT use sandpaper to remove rust, as it will remove the tin
plating off the track.
For better power distribution, a lockon every 3-4 feet of track
is advisable, hooked up to a track power bus under the layout.
Larry
#Post#: 1963--------------------------------------------------
Re: Old lionel O gauge power question
By: stevenwwhite Date: June 5, 2018, 3:24 pm
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I have a run of 3 rail tubular Lionel track around the wall of
my office near the ceiling. It is a 15 x 10 ft rectangle,
divided into 4 sections. Three of the sections have sidings
using a pair of 022 switches to access the main line. I am using
lockons on each section and all go to a ZW 275 with 22AWG single
strand wire. I control each section of track separately through
a control panel. Each section on the control panel has an LED
light, an on/off toggle switch and a n/c push button momentary
switch for direction control. After getting everything hooked up
and working correctly I have a serious power problem. My 736
Berkshire will barely crawl at full throttle with only 7 postwar
cars. What would you suggest to maximize and evenly distribute
the current?
#Post#: 1964--------------------------------------------------
Re: Old lionel O gauge power question
By: TrainLarry Date: June 6, 2018, 11:26 am
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First, if you have a lighted car, run it around the layout and
watch for any dimming of the light to indicate a bad section. If
you have no lighted car, use a voltmeter to check for any
voltage drops around the layout. Is the track clean of dirt and
rust? Are the track pins clean and tight? Any drop indicates a
bad connection somewhere.
Your problem may be due to a need of service to your rolling
stock.
Has the 736 been serviced to clean and lubricate the motor,
gears and bearings, and the rolling stock bearings lubricated?
After these items are taken care of, your trains should run
properly.
Larry
#Post#: 1970--------------------------------------------------
Re: Old lionel O gauge power question
By: mrfixit1946 Date: June 30, 2018, 7:55 pm
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I agree with what Train Larry said, but one thing you can do is
take a straight piece of track and put it on your work bench.
Run your 736 back and forth to see if it runs correctly. Put the
same amount of cars behind it. The point to this is to see if
your problem is your engine or your track. Problems with engines
can a lot of time be solved by taking an exacto knife blade and
"VERY CAREFULLY" clean out the garbage in the slots between the
3 sections of your armature facing. Take your brush plate off
and clean it good with carborater cleaner, replace the 2 brushes
and, lube the armature shaft slightly where it goes through the
brush plate and re-assemble. In most cases you will see a big
difference in how your engine runs. Barry
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