I’m just getting a power source organised.
I’m told that Lionel trains will run on 12v DC, but with reservations and limitations. Anyway I don’t have a sufficiently powerful 12v controller.
I also know from experience that US power supplies are 110v AC at 60Hz, as opposed to the 50Hz usual elsewhere. I’ve never had problems plugging in my UK items (such as laptop chargers) in the US, using a suitable adapter plug.
So, are Lionel trains ok with 50Hz? It’s an important question for me; I already have a 110v 50Hz transformer in my workshop, and I have a similar take-off on my welding set. There is one supplier offering a 110v 60Hz transformer specifically for Lionel, at around three times the cost of a proprietary 110v 50Hz transformer... but it’s cheap insurance if it avoids expensive damage.
So, is this a real issue, or can I proceed using 50Hz and forget about it?