Hello all,
I just picked up a Bing 1 gauge electric train that supposedly is setup for 20 volts. I figured a ZW should work fine, but it's hardly getting to locomotive around the track. I decided to lube up the gears and hit the commutator with electrical cleaner. That improved slightly so I think I have dirty contacts. But before I go really deep into this, what should I be using to power this train up? I have at my disposal a ZW, a Z4000 and Type V transformer.
Thank you,
Sam
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if you're using a zw transformer i would recommend a 275 watt that's the largest Lionell ever made AFAIK! a Lionel ZWL has the most wattage but are very expensive almost $800.00 If i remember correctly!
the old engines like that drew a lot of current and the wheels rollers and all power feeds but be very clean and good brushes and also would not hurt to polish the commutator for best efficiency and lowest power consumption !
Alan
Try the type V. The Type V and Z put out 25 volts. Some of the older stuff need more voltage, not power.
I agree i have a V type and it does put out 25 VAC and as he said some older trains need the extra voltage to run efficiently!
see below
LIONEL Type V TRANSFORMER 150 watts 1939-47 ART DECO | eBay
Alan
Hello all,
After going through everything a few times I've come to the conclusion that upgrading to a DC can motor was the best option. I tried a V, a ZW and a Z4000, none of them gave the locomotive enough power to get out of its own way. I made a video showing the before and after, take a look below.
Thank you,
Sam
Some very early Bing used line voltage I do believe. Just imagine your trains needing 120 or 220vac to the track to run them as a child...wow. Try a Prewar Lionel Z transformer. Many prewar trains need that kind of higher voltage to operate. But a second question, has your Bing locomotive been serviced recently? Might be just dry/gummed up with old oil and grease and need a proper cleaning and relubrication to get its voltage/amp draw down to normal. Also check to see if the motor has a field winding or a permag style motor. Many of the Bing engines, especially for the UK market were DC powered vs AC and used a motor with a large magnet instead of the field winding we are more used to with 3 rail trains in the USA
Some early Bing electrical locomotives were what was referred to as "High Voltage". The Line voltage Artful Dodger referred to was reduced to about 50 or 60 volts through a carbon filament light bulb (or two for larger locomotives).
if your loco is indeed a HV variety they can be rung by putting two type V or Z transformers in series U1 to outside rail A1 to U2 A2 to center rail and turn them up (it is necessary to phase the transformers so that they do not cancel each other)
Roland
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