Hello does anyone recognize this power supple transformer? It belongs to a friend of mine that found it in his garage.
Thanks for any info .. Rick
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It's a Lionel 40 watt Type A prewar transformer. There are several always available on eBay. You can use it for accessory power or use with a rheostat to run a small train set.
Looks like Rob's is a older version. Notice the 2 different nomenclature plates.
These transformers have fixed taps off the secondary. when LIonel made these, it also made a sliding rheostats to use in the line if one tap is too fast and the next too slow. I wouldn't use one now because it may or may not have a circuit breaker, and if it does, it probably doesn't work.
Thank you all for the information. I think it is better for display than use then. I wouldn't want to damage anything by trying out 
Thanks again everyone!
Rick
I love looking at the many different styles of those old transformers. 
I'd have a collection of just them if there was room.
My brother had this style transformer. He used to shut the lights off. Then slide the handle back and forth across the contacts quickly to see the sparking.
Do you recognize transformer
quote:I wouldn't use one now because it may or may not have a circuit breaker, and if it does, it probably doesn't work.
I didn't think any of those prewar, multi-tap transformers had circuit breakers.
With an all metal case and fabric covered power cord, I wouldn't consider using it.
Originally Posted by Matt Makens:
Do you recognize transformer
How many watts is that one?
He runs on Energon, there is no conversion factor
Originally Posted by rgross:
Thank you all for the information. I think it is better for display than use then. I wouldn't want to damage anything by trying out
Thanks again everyone!
Rick
Yeah, I have some of those ANCIENT transformers with exposed contacts and porcelain insulators, and I don't think it would be a particularly good idea to put them into regular service. Save them as interesting historical artifacts !
But I still use SOME of these old transformers ...
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I have an old 1033 that's my bench supply. I fitted it with a 2A circuit breaker box to protect stuff, it serves me well. 
At my desk, I use an LW transformer, with a Postwar Lionel #91 electromagnetic circuit breaker. There is a volt meter and an ammeter on the output. I also have a rectifier wired in for D.C. when I want it.
I have a T type mounted with a rheostat for train shows. The transformer uses the typical power cord for the era. (a lamp base that screws into a floor lamp or table lamp.) All the wiring is cloth-covered. It's truly amazing how many folks don't believe, that is the way things were done.
I've seen some of the old Lionel literature showing transformers with screw-base connectors. When did wall plugs become more common - 1920's ?
Originally Posted by Ace:
When did wall plugs become more common - 1920's ?
Nice collection Ace!
It's true, these old transformers "look" great! But do they work?...
Speaking of which, would anyone recommend I use an old American Flyer 1250 I bought recently? I've read somewhere that models 2,4,6 "didn't" have built-in breakers(*I assumed this one did)
Should I try it?
I have one of the Marx units in Ace'e photo (bottom center) from my early childhood.
It has powered lighting on every layout (HO, N, and O) I have had since the 50s.
Conductor Earl
The transformer is catalogued as from 1921 to 1931 40 watt (type I), with value of $5 VG, $10 EXC, $15 LN, with rarity of 4. No circuit breaker. A type II was same, but rated at 60 watts and price $5 more in all above conditions.
Any old transformer that is in good condition with a new AC cord if necessary, can be used without fear. An external fast trip circuit breaker or a fuse can be used to protect the transformer, hooking it in series with the wire going to the center rail.
Larry
