Lionel V Transformer

On the Lionel V, two tracks are intended to be connected (one track each) between the C-U and D-U posts.  Accessories and lights can connect to either the A and U and/or D and U posts.  All of the U posts are tied together and Common (sometimes referred to as ground).  A, B, C, and D are Hot and are independently controlled by their corresponding dials on the top panel.

Thanks for your answer, when I recently purchased this V transformer, I was told I can run 4 individual trains using the 4  control  knobs, each train & track seperately , along with the  answer you supplied about the accessories.

Larry

It's true that you may be able run 4 trains simultaneously with the V transformer, as long as they don't pull more than about 105 Watts combined. The 150 Watt rating is the V's input power draw from the wall outlet.  With an approximate 70% efficiency, that works out to about 105 Watts on all of its output terminals combined.  For heavier trains, incandescent lighting, smoke units, and certain high-current motors, running 4 trains simultaneously may be beyond this transformer's limits.

Then there's the issue of accessory power.  Connecting accessories to track voltage can be done, but this can lead to other issues.

• If track voltage is around 18VAC for Command control (TMCC/Legacy, DCS, Lion Chief, etc.)  then this voltage is higher than recommended and can cause the accessories to burn out prematurely.
• If running Conventional train control, the accessories' power source varies with train speed (voltage).  Lights' brightness changes and may cause issues with other accessories.

Most accessories work best when supplied with a constant voltage of around 10-14 Volts AC.  That's why I prefer to connect accessories to their own dedicated transformer output(s).

The V transformer starts the voltage at about 6 volts and varies it up to 24 volts. It was designed for pre-war trains that need the higher voltage. If you are running more modern trains with electronics be careful not to exceed 20 volts. The Lionel Service Manual says 110 watts of output which is about 8 amps. Each output A, B, C, D are the same electrically. The knobs are smaller on A and B. Be aware that the circuit breaker is designed to protect the transformer, not the trains. Most of these circuit breakers are old and should be replaced. The typical Lionel parts dealer has replacement circuit breakers. Part V-61. Be very careful of the 110 Volt line cord. Most of these cords will be brittle and actually expose the wire. You should replace the line cord if it has not been done. The nice thing about this transformer is you have 4 individual adjustable outputs for accessories or lights. There is no whistle or bell button on this transformer.