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Hello, I received a box of train sets. One is an American Flyer Reading line 307. Can anyone tell me if this train requires AC or DC? I tried the AC terminals off one of the transformers in the box and the engine energizes, but it seems that it is waiting for a change in polarity to start turning the wheels. I'm new to model trains ,any help would be greatly apretiated to get me started here.
Thanks,
Daniel
Is the transformer an American Flyer one? AF were AC and have a reversing relay switch under the tender. In one position it allows the engine to move alternately forward or backward each time the throttle is turned up and then back off. If you stop at a station and then want to continue forward you momentarily turn up the throttle and turn it back off. Now when you turn up the throttle it will move forward.
You can have it run always in one direction by sliding the switch to the other position and each time you turn the throttle on and off it will only move one way.
Those relays in the tender require cleaning over time. Remove the shell and clean the relay contacts with a spray contact cleaner for electronics. Also check and clean wheels and other points where power can flow from the track to the relay and motor.
Thank You for your prompt response to my question. It was not an American flyer transformer and I was just tounching the wires to the contacts under the tender. I cleaned everything up when I took the engine apart. It looks like if I need to find an American Flyer transformer before I go any further.
Thank You for your prompt response to my question. It was not an American flyer transformer and I was just tounching the wires to the contacts under the tender. I cleaned everything up when I took the engine apart. It looks like if I need to find an American Flyer transformer before I go any further.
Finding a transformer at a train meet for flyer or lionel should not be a problem however I suggest you have a volt meter with you to check if the subject transformer works. Buy a flyer transformer for your set or time frame of the produced engine so it looks correct. Dealers usually have quite a few of transformers to get rid of especially the size that come with sets.
Wayne
American Flyer is now being sold by Lionel. Other than the historic aspect I don't have much interest so I don't know if the present day AF items by Lionel are still AC or are now DC. At most train shows you can find a dealer or 2 selling current AF along with Lionel. If they are still AC it might be worth the time to compare prices of a new transformer against an original used one. The original transformers from A.C. Gilbert were made here in the USA. New ones most likely are not so that might weigh into your purchase decision along with the price. Original AF items like so many things are sought after by collectors and can be priced accordingly.
Hello, My friend I would find a Marx 100 watt transformer they are AC too they would be a lot cheaper than a AF transformer or a Lionel 1033 90 watt AC transformer. I use those transformers on my AF layout to me they run great and last a long time and are sold cheaply at all train shows very common train AC transformers. Thanks longbow57ca.
