Lionel multi volt transformer type B

The voltage outputs of the various terminal combinations are on the side of the transformer.

Before plugging in the transformer, check the AC cord and plug thoroughly and replace the cord if necessary.

 

 

 

Larry

That is the one Larry. Mine looks exactly like this.  What is the vintage of this piece?

Is there an instruction sheet on this?

The earliest catalog I have seen that has the 'B' transformer in it is 1923, so it may be of even earlier vintage than that.

 

No instruction sheet available, but the hookup is pretty self-explanatory.

 

Following the top line on the right side of the transformer terminal guide, hook your track lockon to terminals C and X of the transformer. Now with the top selector lever on position 1, the transformer output will be 8 volts,

on position 2, the transformer output will be 9 volts,

on position 3, the transformer output will be 10 volts,

on position 4, the transformer output will be 11 volts,

on position 5, the transformer output will be 12 volts.

 

Following the next line with wires hooked to terminals B and X will give you 14-18 volts with the selector lever, and 21-25 volts with terminals A and X connected to the lockon.

 

With wires connected to terminals A and B, there will be a fixed voltage of 7 volts, between B and C there will be 6 volts, and between A and C there will be 13 volts, irregardless of the position of the top selector lever.

 

There is no internal circuit breaker in the transformer, so an external breaker or fuse of 3 amps should be hooked in series with one lead from the transformer to the track.

 

Larry

 

 

Pat K,

Larry is right on the money. This piece performs best when used with a rheostat in-line to the track. Don't forget the fuses or circuit breakers and to replace the cord. By the time you purchase all of the items mentioned you would be better off buying a modern transformer.

 

I own a Type T that also has a horn and bell controller in-line. Everything is mounted on a board for display at local shows. The set up draws a lot of attention especially when I hook it up and run my prewar Std Gauge.

 

God Bless,

"Pappy" 

thanks to Larry and Happy Pappy.  I just had it tested and it is dead.  It might make a nice paperweight.  Can it be resurrected?  Money notwithstanding.

Connect an ohmmeter across the AC power plug. You should get a very low reading. If you get an open circuit, the AC cord needs replacing.

 

Larry

Can you change the speed without triggering the e-unit? I have of those too, but have never had the nerve to plug it in. I bet these probably work better with a loco that has a manual reverse (or no reverse).

 

These were meant to be used with rheostats, like the Lionel #95, #88, etc., which will provide satisfactory performance with E-units.

The cord can be replaced but you need to be careful when you remove the transforme guts from the shell.  There is insulating cardboard on the top that needs to go back in place.  Easy to replace the cord just take your time.    Also, you will want to polishe the brass(I think it is brass) contacts on the outside of the tranformer.  As well as the underside of the tab that makes contact with those points.  I used a mild piece of sandpaper.they polish up real nice.  Mine works great.

Rob,

That's exactly what I instructed Pat to do. Please see my earlier post. Thanks, Rob.

 

God Bless,

"Pappy"

Sorry, I can't/couldn't see/find that response.

 

Edit - I found it.

 

I was replying to someone else - handyandy - different question/issue.

Regardless , two posts with the same answer is confirmation, I'd think folk most would prefer the minor excess. 

I stay away from these old transformers as I have never been assured beyond a shadow of a doubt that these don't have asbestos somewhere in them. Same for the rheostats....

No problems that I've seen. The transformer contains ceramic plates and insulators. The balance of insulating materials are thick paper. The rheostat is made up from basic non-hazardous materials (ceramic insulators, carbon slider & base metal). The only unknown would be the possible use of lead base paint.

 

God Bless,

"Pappy"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

You can see 95%+ of a rheostats parts. No worry there in my eyes.

Less well documented brand names might be an issue if opening a transformer.

I think there are still public lists of asbestos filled products being used by the "class action groups" if you wanted to research it more. They used to be a S.A.S.E.* away. My parents buddy ran one of the larger removal companies eventually(Hey he had trains! S.Fe guy. Out there Larry?). To be 100% sure it must be inspected properly

Our school had it removed in the 70's. We got paper "painters masks" while workers in the same room got "space suits"(big "floaties" for weeks..so far so good for me. Other classmates, not all so hot cancer wise. But always trust your govt., and corporations, they know what is best for you )

 

*self addressed stamped envelope.