Hi All, I know bugger-all about O Gauge, but here's my situation. My father had an O setup as a kid, which he took great care of, HIS brother, however, 'used' it with a bit too much enthusiasm. We just stumbled onto it at my grandfather's house. I just got the boxes home and inside. A quick glance reveals a barrel loader, rotating light (like an airport tower), a freight and passenger station, a Milwaukee Road GP-7, and an Army Transport Corps Switcher #41. I haven't even opened up everything (all cars in original boxes) but have already run into a problem. The ZW 275W transformer has the red pilot light on full-time when plugged into the wall, additionally, the green light is not lit at all, but this may just be a bulb issue. The transformer WILL function (at least on the D terminals) and the engines work, but need serious lube. Anybody know what might cause a short in the transformer, but still allow it to work? I've done a quick search, but either didn't run into an obvious answer, or my search-fu is weak. Any suggestions or direction that could be given would be appreciated before I crack the back or take it to someone. I should add that I found the old wiring diagram from the Lionel service manual online, but if the problem is a major one, I'd probably end up taking it to somebody. I'm hoping to get this baby functioning for the holidays. It would look awesome around the old aluminum christmas tree (which doesn't shed needlesrolleyes Anybody feel like being AMAZINGLY helpful? thanks in advance.
The ZW 275 is not cheap to replace. They can be repaired, but if you are unfamiliar with their inner workings, don't try opening it up. I would find an authorized Lionel Service Center as close as possible, and take it there. If no luck locating that help, then check with the Train Collectors Association for someone knowledgable, who is nearby. Boxcab E50
Bit of an update, with some good, and some not-so-good news. I found the manual online (the transformer was the ONLY thing without it). The lenses were switched! So the pilot I was worried about was, in fact, the power. I do need to find a new bulb for the short indicator lamp though. Feeling a bit safer, I began testing all four throttles. Another bad discovery (this time, a real one baffled The right hand throttle (A terminal) appears to be burnt out, but everything else checks out as normal. Both engines work, although the coupler on the non-powered truck to the 2338 GP-7 is broken. I actually had a chance to open up some car boxes! Included in the cars is 3562 ATSF Barrel Car, 6417 PRR Caboose, 6425 Gulf Tanker, 6446 N&W Cement Car, 6464 M&St.L Box, 6467 Lionel flat car, and 6672 SF Boxcar (missing door). The good news is that, barring the one door, they all appear to be complete and in great shape. Does anyone know what a throttle repair tends to cost? I've seen the parts for repairing the contacts on ebay for a few bucks, but wouldn't mind having a pro look the unit over to be on the safe side.
Good question. I'm not sure they could give you an estimate closer than ballpark, not knowing what would be found inside. Hopefully it's not major, as it seems to be at least partially working. Lucky that the lenses were simply switched! Everything you have, should be repairable. The hardest part could be finding a properly matching box car door. Boxcab E50
In that respect, I'm not too worried. If worse comes to, I can always recast one in resin off the other side original. Obviously it wouldn't be 'original', but I doubt a four year old will care all THAT much biggrin:
Not to post over myself, but here's the quick update. Well, The ZW is in at the local Lionel Service Center. Should be around $40 plus parts to fix the contact/rollers on the "A" terminal and the circuit breaker. Everything else works, barring the 465 dispatch station, which will most likely need a new microphone. Banjo crossing, barrel loader and barrel car bot work. The 494 needs a new driving washer, but that's a cheap part. The 022 switches need a good cleaning- and new lanterns, but again, very cheap parts. What are peoples thoughts on going with the LED versions of the standard Lionel bulb sizes? Since I'm prepping this for play with a four year old (who is VERY careful, and not at all a grabby-smashy type kid) I thought the LEDs might be a bit safer since they won't be hot should a bump occur and end up pressing a small arm against them. I assume MOST people prefer the standard incandescent bulbs, since they're more true to the vintage look.
That's good news on the ZW. I'd probably be traditional with the bulbs. Have never had experience with LED in such an application. If you can obtain a direct replacement, there's certainly no harm. Boxcab E50
you may as well just buy a second hand one off ebay as someone else suggested. Regarding letting a four year old play with vintage Lionel trains. The four year old will love it. Personally I think you may have some items of great value there. Operating accessories that are vintage and with original boxes are worth some money. Why not start the four year old on something new and save the vintage trains as heirlooms? Or atleast check to see what it's worth. Try googling the car numbers. Lionel used car numbers as catalog numbers. I just googled your little switcher and there is one on ebay for 109.00$ It was the first thing I clicked. For that kind of money you could buy a new N or HO set set for your kid and keep the vintage Lionel for later.
I let my 2 ½ year old grandson play with my Christmas train and the excitement in his eyes is priceless. I don’t think he will ever go back to his wooden Thomas the train again. I do need to add some diodes to slow it down, because he gets carried away and its full throttle all the way.:tb-biggrin:
There are two reasons why that come to my mind. 1) red/green colour-blindness runs in my family (my uncle might have done it) 2) same uncle just goofing around with friends. Regarding the 4yr old and the trains. I actually started an N gauge British Steam set-up about a year and a half ago. My son is VERY good about them, even with several level crossings. He always asks which engine has the Right of Way. I don't really have any worries about him breaking anything. One of the first things I did when I finally got to unboxing/testing the cars and accessories was to check value. My father basically said that unless something is +$500 we should let him play with it. A few are a bit expensive, but again, they survived my father and his two brothers (who I guarantee were less careful than my son is). Re: the ZW. The repair will be $50-70... I can't touch a decent ebay one for twice that. edited: to make my last statement make sense...
Right. There are very few times when you will ever catch a ZW in excellent condition, for anywhere near fixing this one. And then you won't always be 100% certain what will be received buying that way. The one you have now has sentimental value as a family heirloom, and those charges are well within reason. What comes home from that shop will do the job nicely. Boxcab E50
Got the ZW back from service. New screw terminals on 1 throttle, new cord, and rollers. Everythings AOK, total $48.00. Now I really need to get going on cleaning the switches (022). 35 years of dust and 15 of use have really gummed them up.
