Interesting older transformers (prewar and early postwar)

About 1938 for both.

Steve

Thanks Steve !  I saw some inaccurate information online saying they were postwar.

On the subject of Marx transformers, I notice they typically have lower voltage output ratings than Lionel. So even when the watt rating is adequate, they just don't provide enough speed for some Lionel locos.

Those are interesting looking transformers.
I think it would be fun to run a train with a controller (or transformer) that mimics a real train control. I have seen some old magazine articles on making your own, but not much in the way of a commercially available product.

The design was so intriguing I bought one just because.  Mine is the model # 909, rated at 45 watts, for use with 25-60 cycle house current.  This area hung on to 25 cycle until roughly 1950 so a lot of the vintage household appliances found around here end up being 25 cycle.  Otherwise, the #909 looks identical to the examples above.

Bruce

I would love to use one... Closest I have is a 1053 I taped a dowel to

They are cool looking even just for a conversation piece! 

They are good performing units. When "off" they still provide enough current to keep the reverse unit from cycling, so they had a separate reverse lever.

Steve

Ace posted:

Thanks Steve !  I saw some inaccurate information online saying they were postwar.

On the subject of Marx transformers, I notice they typically have lower voltage output ratings than Lionel. So even when the watt rating is adequate, they just don't provide enough speed for some Lionel locos.

The low max voltage is in line with the design og the Marx motors. Over 14-15V and damage can occur.

Steve

Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

They are good performing units. When "off" they still provide enough current to keep the reverse unit from cycling, so they had a separate reverse lever. 

I notice some of the old American Flyer transformers have an output range with a rather high starting voltage. Some of the old Lionel transformers are that way when using the higher variable output range. Wondering if there are definite specs on the intended track voltage ranges used by Lionel, Marx, American Flyer.

This American Flyer/Gilbert 8-B transformer shows 7 - 15 vac for the variable output range.

Hello My friends I did a study of Marx made 18 different transformers the I made a list with wattages #1209 and#1209 both 50 watt,#1239- 50 watt,#1229-50watt, #1669-100 watt, #309-25watt and 20 watt,#319-30watt, #709-50watt,#729-50watt, #1859- 150 watt,#1549-70watt,#809-50watt,1409-75watt,#1249AS-50watt and #1249-50watt,#1209-45watt,#329-25watt,#339-30watt,#909-45watt. I think that's all the transformers that Marx made. If I missed any let me know.  My favorite Marx transformer is #1669 100 watt with red reset button. To me #1669 transformer is the best of Marx transformers or I think it is best for the money. Thanks longbow57ca

Longbow57ca -

Thank you the interesting listing of Marx transformers.  I have two to add to your count that I recently acquired as part of a separate purchase.  These are the 1228 and the 1208, both at 30 watts, neither with a circuit breaker.

eyenet

How about a Jefferson Midget:

Vintage? My guess, mid- to late-1930s.

PD

I'm surprised we didn't burn down our parents house.😀

American Flyer made some powerful and interesting looking transformers over the years.

I always liked the Marx transformers liked the one in the original posts , it reminded me of the wooden handled A.F. like posted about also.

pd posted:

How about a Jefferson Midget:

Vintage? My guess, mid- to late-1930s.

PD

I have one; with a quirk. 

It will run for a few months then stop suddenly; and no amount of swearing, banging, pressing, pushing or pulling on stuff will make it work again......but waiting two years will.

No joke; it has died 3 times and shelved and wouldn't work the next year either. But the following year(s) as I'm about to dissect it,, meter in hand; it powers up fine. It's running a General right now.

The Jefferson I want is a neat medium sized. powerhouse...red brick paper on hard cardboard and a working porch light so you knew it was on. 

pd posted:

How about a Jefferson Midget:

Vintage? My guess, mid- to late-1930s.

PD

I have one of these and a "little Jeff" as well with the 7-position semicircular control on the side. Complete listing of all Jefferson Transformers here: http://www.roger-russell.com/jeffers/jeftran.htm

I don't know why they referenced the George Borgfeldt Company in their advertising as the only train-like toys I have seen from Borgfeldt is the Tonnerville Trolley

and the Nifty (produced by George Fischer in Nurmeburg) trolley,

neither of which were electric (at least not until Lyle Cain came along in the late 1980s). 

Perhaps some of the other electrical toys Borgfeldt imported from Europe required a transformer?

Ace posted:

Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

They are good performing units. When "off" they still provide enough current to keep the reverse unit from cycling, so they had a separate reverse lever. 

I notice some of the old American Flyer transformers have an output range with a rather high starting voltage. Some of the old Lionel transformers are that way when using the higher variable output range. Wondering if there are definite specs on the intended track voltage ranges used by Lionel, Marx, American Flyer.

This American Flyer/Gilbert 8-B transformer shows 7 - 15 vac for the variable output range.

As far as I know, all Gilbert-era AC(duh) transformers furnished 7-15 / 7-14 volts.

Here's a poser: I have a Gilbert "ham-can" transformer, as pictured above, but marked for "230 volts. 50-60 cycle input".   It's packed away right now, so I can't examine the plug, but I think it's a US style Edison flat-blade plug.   Any ideas as to intended market ?

Fran McM.

Here's a oldie but goodie. It's from a Lionel M-10000 set that I am currently restoring here

I tested it the other day and it still works. The rheostat is cool but it has asbestos wiring so its wrapped up for now. It's amazing where that stuff was used over the years.

And yes- electrical safety has come a long way.

RSJB18 posted:

Here's a oldie but goodie. It's from a Lionel M-10000 set that I am currently restoring here

I tested it the other day and it still works. The rheostat is cool but it has asbestos wiring so its wrapped up for now. It's amazing where that stuff was used over the years.

And yes- electrical safety has come a long way.

Here’s what’s under my Christmas tree:  Lionel “T” transformer, 100 watts, original black cloth cord, mid-1920’s, and #81 rheostat, not currently wired-in.

Works well ( no reversing unit in my #38. )

RSJB18 posted:

...rheostat is cool but it has asbestos wiring so its wrapped up for now...

Nobody is going to get Asbestosis from a Lionel rheostat.

Here’s a transformer I came across in a Lionel 1668e set. 

The set came in its original box and appears to have been sold here in the U.K. when Lionel had a official office/agent here before the war.

Not something I’d want to power up and use. But interesting. 
The loco just took a clean and lubrication. Along with a new pick up, brushes and a marker lens along with a new light bulb. And it runs perfectly.

Personally, I like the early postwar ZW rated at 250 watts.  Plenty of power and very reliable.  Circut breaker is much better that the later 1950's units, so I have read.  

More interesting older transformers:

JEP:

Hornby:

Regards

Fred

Those are some fantastic transformers, Fred ! 

Thank you for sharing !

Fran McM.

GVDobler posted:

I'm surprised we didn't burn down our parents house.😀

LOL   Since many houses back then still had knob and tube wiring it's a wonder they didn't burn on their own.