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#Post#: 1985--------------------------------------------------
Question about using Lionel "Pet Shop Diesel" in the U
K-
By: Rick McDuffie Date: August 10, 2018, 12:32 pm
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This is my first post. Hello, and nice to be here!
My grandchildren live in the UK, and I just bought them a little
"Pet Shop Diesel" layout, which they've been using here at my
house in NC this Summer. It comes with a DC wall pack and Lion
Chief remote control.
I know that the standard Lionel AC transformers/controllers will
not run on UK power- they have 220v and 50hz, as opposed to our
110v and 60hz. Since this little train operates on DC volts, I
see no reason why it won't work in the UK. The DC wall pack has
an output of 18V DC, 600 mA. Does anyone know of any reason why
it won't work there in the UK, if we purchase a UK power supply
with the same DC output?
I have my own trains too, by the way : )
#Post#: 1986--------------------------------------------------
Re: Question about using Lionel "Pet Shop Diesel" in t
he UK-
By: djacobsen Date: August 10, 2018, 5:13 pm
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Cape Fear Yadkin
Hello & Welcome to the Forum!
Am going on memory of being stationed overseas almost 50 years
ago.
Here in the US, voltage is 110/120 volts, 60 cycles.
Europe/GB, 220/240 volts, 50 cycles.
When using US built electrical items we used an inexpensive
adapter, bringing the voltage down to 110/120 volts,.
Now can remember having to adjust the speed on turntables
because of the cycle difference,
so it may affect the speed of the motor.
l do think that if you can get a wall wart that will operate on
the British current, it would be the way to go.
just my opinion, hopefully someone with a little more experience
will chime in..
Gunrunner John, can you answer this one?
Happy Rails
dave
#Post#: 1987--------------------------------------------------
Re: Question about using Lionel "Pet Shop Diesel" in t
he UK-
By: TrainLarry Date: August 11, 2018, 10:38 am
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Having worked in the electronics field, I can say that a UK
power pack of the same DC output voltage and current output will
work your trains. You may have to change out the plug to fit the
terminal track.
The current output of the power pack can be more than the
original 600mA; the train will use only the current that it is
designed to use.
Larry
#Post#: 1988--------------------------------------------------
Re: Question about using Lionel "Pet Shop Diesel" in t
he UK-
By: djacobsen Date: August 11, 2018, 7:45 pm
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one of those duhhh... moments..
lionel & dc...
just ain't natural...
#Post#: 1989--------------------------------------------------
Re: Question about using Lionel "Pet Shop Diesel" in t
he UK-
By: Rick McDuffie Date: August 14, 2018, 9:30 am
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Thanks, guys. I reckoned that it would work, since it's DC.
Sounds like you think so too. I'm going to send it back over
with them.
I actually tried to run a Lionel train in the UK sometime back,
using one of the US/UK adapters (not a converter). As soon as
we plugged it in, the train took off at double speed and jumped
the track. It fried my US transformer/controller. I think
that, even if you cut the voltage in half to 110, if 50hz
frequency still makes it impossible. The fact that this little
train set runs on DC power opens up new possibilities.
Thanks again!
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