Q: I live in a large space and have an 80-foot loop of Lionel O-27 track running through it. I’m having trouble getting enough power to the train. I need information on wiring methods and wire types and suggestions on how large a transformer I am going to need to get it working properly. – […]
Section: Ask Trains
Original Lionel no. 313 bascule bridge parts
Q: I recently purchased a Lionel no. 313 bascule bridge that is in pretty good shape. Unfortunately, the linkage to raise and lower the bridge from the base is missing. I want to identify and replace the missing parts, so an exploded view with part numbers listed would be appreciated. – C.T. Gast, Buffalo, N.Y. […]
Postwar Lionel no. 182 crane motor
Q: I rewound the motor for my Lionel no. 182 crane, and the motor works fine, but I am unable to make it reverse. I called Lionel but they didn’t have a diagram for the no. 182. Instead, the service representative sent a diagram for a no. 165 crane. The big difference in the cranes […]
The right smoke fluid for toy trains
Even a small steamer can crank out a nice flow of smoke, so buy the right fluid and don’t try to create a home brew smoke fluid. Q: I recently bought a Williams steamer, and it came with several warnings stating to use only Williams smoke fluid and no other. Well, none of my engines […]
Those darned Marx toy train gears
Many old Marx steam locomotives have gears that extend the full diameter of the wheel, resulting in incompatibility with most track switches. Q: I am starting to build a small O gauge layout with two loops and some switching in between for variety. I have some newer Lionel trains and some old Marx trains from […]
O gauge Western town buildings
CTT reader Phil Lea of Athens, Tenn., is looking to re-create the old West on his layout. Postwar Marx plays sets just might be his best source for buildings and decorations that look at home on the range, looking the other way regarding exact scale, of course! Q: I would like to do my layout […]
Lionel O gauge Disney cars
The names Lionel and Disney have a unique history. Modern toy production techniques have made the most of Walt Disney’s colorful animated characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck. Q: I have a Lionel O gauge no. 18311 Disney electric-profile EP-5 locomotive. I would like to collect all the cars that go with […]
Why did Lionel produce O-27 and O-31 track?
Q: What was the reasoning for the Lionel Corp. to produce two very similar track sizes – O-27 with a 27-inch-diameter circle and O with a 31-inch diameter circle? Wouldn’t production be a lot simpler and inventories less costly with only one? Since O-27 engines and rolling stock could run on O track, why retain […]
Can I convert a Lionel no. 257 freight station to DC power?
Q: I have a Lionel no. 257 freight station with diesel horn that is equipped with a D-cell battery to operate the horn. How do I convert the 1.5 DC voltage to 14-16 AC voltage so I can operate it like my other accessories from a transformer? – Peter Douglas Beam, Pasadena, Calif. A: Peter, […]
A future for my American Flyer 18B transformer?
Q: I have two American Flyer no. 18B transformers with two Lionel no. 167 whistle controllers on my layout. My problem is that older Lionel steam locomotive whistles do not work at all, and the new sound systems and horns only work well when stopped. While moving, blowing the whistles tends to slow the engines […]
O-27 track: thumbs up or down?
Q: Before I was born, my grandfather bought me a Lionel O-27 set, and over the years I’ve acquired many other O-27 items. I want to build a layout, but just about everyone I’ve spoken to has advised me against building my layout using O-27 track and switches. Instead, they advise me to upgrade to […]
Adding TMCC to a ZW layout
Q: I’ve got an 8- by 12-foot layout that is fairly complete, and I use an old Lionel ZW for track power and a few small transformers on a separate circuit for lights and accessories. Is there an easy way to add Lionel’s TrainMaster Command Control to run new engines in command-control mode? I don’t […]
