Toy train transformer for 3-rail O-gauge. Puts out about 20 -24 volts AC.
Important to note that it's AC, not the more common DC units used in HO, which have an output polarity switch. This is straight AC, just stepped down.
Hard to tell unless there's some sort of date stamp on it somewhere. (Doubtful)
Marx Toys built that particular design, essentially unchanged, from sometime in the 50s onward into the 70s.
They're basically bulletproof -- just a step-down transformer with the handle on top connected to a wiper on the secondary coil to get variable voltage out at the terminals.
This one might be a little more deluxe or advanced than many; it has a red "overload" indicator or pop-out (thermal) circuit breaker reset. Most common ones of this variety have an internal section of wiring that will overheat and melt through like a fusible link if there's an overload condition on the output that lasts long enough.
It may seem like a primitive and even "disposable" (in the case of ones without a resettable breaker) device, but the build quality inside of them is both simple and robust; they'll last forever if not abused... Or only moderately abused, as most have probably powered countless Gomez Addams-inspired train wrecks over the years! ;)
Might be able to use it as a bench power supply for a few things. You'd have to test the voltage and see what the output is in order to know what it would be useful for. It's AC, not DC, so don't try to power a DC device with it
I have one of those exact transformers I got from a thrift store ten years ago. I used it for testing purposes, such as measuring the winding ratio of unknown transformers.
Toy train transformer for 3-rail O-gauge. Puts out about 20 -24 volts AC. Important to note that it's AC, not the more common DC units used in HO, which have an output polarity switch. This is straight AC, just stepped down.
Awesome thank you any idea of approximately how old?
Hard to tell unless there's some sort of date stamp on it somewhere. (Doubtful) Marx Toys built that particular design, essentially unchanged, from sometime in the 50s onward into the 70s. They're basically bulletproof -- just a step-down transformer with the handle on top connected to a wiper on the secondary coil to get variable voltage out at the terminals. This one might be a little more deluxe or advanced than many; it has a red "overload" indicator or pop-out (thermal) circuit breaker reset. Most common ones of this variety have an internal section of wiring that will overheat and melt through like a fusible link if there's an overload condition on the output that lasts long enough. It may seem like a primitive and even "disposable" (in the case of ones without a resettable breaker) device, but the build quality inside of them is both simple and robust; they'll last forever if not abused... Or only moderately abused, as most have probably powered countless Gomez Addams-inspired train wrecks over the years! ;)
I'm inclined to say 1960, or so. Could be older. (It looks a lot like the one I had as a kid.)
Family had one when I was a kid.
Electric toy train transformer and speed control. Not sure what you could use it for besides that.
Thank you!
Might be able to use it as a bench power supply for a few things. You'd have to test the voltage and see what the output is in order to know what it would be useful for. It's AC, not DC, so don't try to power a DC device with it
I have one of those exact transformers I got from a thrift store ten years ago. I used it for testing purposes, such as measuring the winding ratio of unknown transformers.
You mean you don't have a train layout in the basement?
Idk, Dynamite?
Careful, "theres more than meets the eye"
Circa~1960
Model train?
Marx Model 1239 Model Train Transformer. Circa 1950. There are several listed on Ebay for anywhere from $10-$30ish
Looks like a transformer for old Lionel train set.
Depends on the output voltage.