Great video. I would probably be that guy who would take one apart and get it running for fun again. Got an extra can of magic smoke on the shelf incase. 😁
Just a few facts that I know about these transformers you didn’t mention in the video. - Apparently the rheostats had a tendency to get hot during use. - In addition to the rheostats, Lionel also offered the No. 91 circuit breaker to protect the transformer from burning out. - Early versions of these Lionel transformers actually screwed directly into a lightbulb socket instead of plugging into the wall (instead of a standard plug on the end, they had a thread like a lightbulb. I’ve seen a few images from catalogs of another variant with the standard plug, but featuring an adapter for a lightbulb socket. - About what’s on the inside, I have HEARD that these transformers were filled up with tar on the inside. I have no idea if this were true or what safety benefits it adds if it is, but I always though that was interesting. It would explain the heft these tend to have. Nice video, I hope you found this interesting. I personally own 2 prewar type T transformers. One still in box. They make really neat display pieces.
On eBay, there's someone selling a Type B transformer working and in near mint condition claimed to be made in 1921. All the electrified metal parts are brass, outputs 50 watts, and the nameplate is on the side, rather than the top.
Well, I might have a Marx transformer that was made back in the early 1900s? I opened it up, and there was one o those porcelain thingys around the cord!? 😃 I didn't notice before I opened it up.
Collecting these old transformers is a great hobby. Ebay is the worst place to get them, as shipping cost more than they're worth. Sellers at train shows let them go cheap and are all smiles when they get rid of them ,as they are too heavy to lug around. I think most of them end up getting tossed out .
These are more dangerous then the more modern train transformers, but unless there is a problem on the inside with the primary winding touching the wrong thing it is not possible to get a shock higher then the 18-25 volts they are rated at. You can get that same shock off any system if you have the transformer on and up and then go to work on changing out your track. Been there done that.... However the age and the power wires to them is a concern, I would not use one without being near it or able to see it and never let it on for an hour without being near it. That being said these are very useful for the older trains of that era, some requiring the higher voltage to run well. Also these could be used for accessories with the many different voltage taps. Avoid the idea of using a rheostat to use this since it will get very hot and that is another concern. So if you can't attend to it wisely, never use one of these, as well as any older train transformer made before 1980. I have seen the MarX one's smoke if left on for to long as well.
One thing that you didn't mention is that Lionel reorganized in about 1918. Before that year, Lionel products were marked "Lionel Mfg. Co." Afterwards, they were labeled "The Lionel Corporation". The metal contacts on top of the transformers are called "points". and the porcelain piece that the power cord passes thru is called a "bushing",
![How To Phase AC Train Transformers - Lionel, Marx, K-Line, MTH, etc [Two Methods]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/znIg27LU2HU/mqdefault.jpg)
They make great book stops for reference materials.
Good Point! They are good for display.
Great video. I would probably be that guy who would take one apart and get it running for fun again. Got an extra can of magic smoke on the shelf incase. 😁
:-)
Just a few facts that I know about these transformers you didn’t mention in the video.
- Apparently the rheostats had a tendency to get hot during use.
- In addition to the rheostats, Lionel also offered the No. 91 circuit breaker to protect the transformer from burning out.
- Early versions of these Lionel transformers actually screwed directly into a lightbulb socket instead of plugging into the wall (instead of a standard plug on the end, they had a thread like a lightbulb.
I’ve seen a few images from catalogs of another variant with the standard plug, but featuring an adapter for a lightbulb socket.
- About what’s on the inside, I have HEARD that these transformers were filled up with tar on the inside. I have no idea if this were true or what safety benefits it adds if it is, but I always though that was interesting. It would explain the heft these tend to have.
Nice video, I hope you found this interesting.
I personally own 2 prewar type T transformers. One still in box. They make really neat display pieces.
On eBay, there's someone selling a Type B transformer working and in near mint condition claimed to be made in 1921. All the electrified metal parts are brass, outputs 50 watts, and the nameplate is on the side, rather than the top.
Thanks for the information. That's an interesting piece. There's always more to discover!
Well, I might have a Marx transformer that was made back in the early 1900s? I opened it up, and there was one o those porcelain thingys around the cord!? 😃 I didn't notice before I opened it up.
Marx didn't enter the train game until they purchased Joy Line in the 1930s - but it could still be pre-WW2
Collecting these old transformers is a great hobby. Ebay is the worst place to get them, as shipping cost more than they're worth. Sellers at train shows let them go cheap and are all smiles when they get rid of them ,as they are too heavy to lug around. I think most of them end up getting tossed out .
I have a "T" multivolt that is 100 watts with the brass plate on the side , have u heard of this unit? 🤔
Like this? www.ebay.com/itm/155685025560
These are more dangerous then the more modern train transformers, but unless there is a problem on the inside with the primary winding touching the wrong thing it is not possible to get a shock higher then the 18-25 volts they are rated at. You can get that same shock off any system if you have the transformer on and up and then go to work on changing out your track. Been there done that....
However the age and the power wires to them is a concern, I would not use one without being near it or able to see it and never let it on for an hour without being near it.
That being said these are very useful for the older trains of that era, some requiring the higher voltage to run well. Also these could be used for accessories with the many different voltage taps. Avoid the idea of using a rheostat to use this since it will get very hot and that is another concern. So if you can't attend to it wisely, never use one of these, as well as any older train transformer made before 1980. I have seen the MarX one's smoke if left on for to long as well.
Thanks for the tips!
One thing that you didn't mention is that Lionel reorganized in about 1918. Before that year, Lionel products were marked "Lionel Mfg. Co." Afterwards, they were labeled "The Lionel Corporation". The metal contacts on top of the transformers are called "points". and the porcelain piece that the power cord passes thru is called a "bushing",
Thank you for the helpful information!