Re: Lionel Trains!

[Steve Wise <swise@aoot.com>]

Hey Chris,

Maybe we can help with some initial triage.   What type of transformer?  
What type of engine exactly?

Do you understand about how Lionel/3 rail AC powered engines do 
direction control?  It is different than HO/DC power.  With HO you 
simply slide the "direction" button on the transformer and it changes 
the polarity of the two rails, thus changing the direction of the DC 
motor.  For AC/3 rail engines, its a little different.  If you have a 
Lionel transformer, what you do is this:  power up the track until you 
see the engine light glowing (not too brightly though).  Then hit the 
direction button.  The engine should then go either forwards or 
backwards.  Usually forward for new engines.  If its going too fast, 
then lower the voltage via the transformer throttle.  Then to stop it, 
hit the direction button again.  The engine should stop.  Then hit the 
direction button yet again, and the engine should start going in the 
opposite direction.   So hitting the direction button on a 3 rail / AC 
setup cycles the reverse unit in the engine through these cycles:  
Forward - Neutral - Reverse - Neutral, and the cycle repeats.

Does that make sense?    I've CC'ed the club so others can help too.  
Club members, when you reply, please make sure Chris's email is in the 
reply-to list.  cnystrom@gmail.com

Happy Holidays,

Steve.

On 12/24/2010 11:56 PM, Chris Nystrom wrote:
> Ack! Everything on the web says that it is so easy, but I can not
> every get my Lionel trains to work. I have 2 engines and 2
> transformers and I try various combinations, but can never seem to get
> them to work. Headlight comes on and it might move a little often in
> the wrong direction. I never had this trouble with HO trains. Is there
> anyplace I can go in Austin to get my equipment checked out to see if
> it is me or my equipment?
>
> Thank you,
> Chris
>
>
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