Lionel Locomotive Question

Rich_S May 14, 2015

  1. Rich_S

    Rich_S TrainBoard Member

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    I never received the Lionel train set for Christmas when I was young, instead I received a Athearn HO train set for Christmas in 1967. I'm not complaining as I spent many enjoyable years as both a HO scale modeler and a N scale modeler. Lately I'm become fascinated with Lionel three rail O scale trains. After watching several Lionel videos on Youtube, I have a few questions:

    • Why do Lionel locomotives have a neutral position?
    • Are Lionel curved tracks measured in degree of curve instead of radius?
    • What is the best type of three rail O scale track as far as ease of use and price: Gargraves, Lionel tubular, Lionel Fastrack or Atlas three rail O scale track?
     
  2. ScaleCraft

    ScaleCraft TrainBoard Member

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    1) Older Lionel used a "universal" field-wound motor. The only way to reverse was to reverse the polarity of either the field or the armature in relation to the other. "neutral" gives a pause..and is very handy for "parking" a locomotive on live track. Find "neutral", open the switch, and it stays put.
    2) Diameter. 027 is 27" diameter (13.5" radius). 0 is (min) 031. There is 072. Just remember diameter.
    3) Depends. You want permanent, semi-permanent, portable, occasional, or best prototype appearance>
    I use GarGraves. If I wanted "real" Lionel, the look and feel of the first set I got in 51, it would be Lionel Tubular.
    Dave
     
  3. Rich_S

    Rich_S TrainBoard Member

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    Dave,
    Thank you for the reply and information.
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Rich-

    "Neutral" is very handy when there is need for operating a track powered accessory, without the engine or locomotive moving. Such as unloading a log car, a dump car, barrel car, etc.
     
  5. ScaleCraft

    ScaleCraft TrainBoard Member

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    And just so you know....there were a whole dumpster full of dual-field units made with two-position E units, often visually identifiable by a curved slot for the lever. Bean counters...make 'em cheaper. There is no neutral on these.
    So, to park them you need blocks, sheet of paper under them to isolate the rollers (often one set) or remove them from the track.
    I don't think I have any of those in use.
    I also use Dallee ACRU's for units that had bad design E-units or missing. I have..three or four GM or A-N NW switchers that had horizontal e-units that won't work for switching, so those have been converted over.
    Dave
     
  6. Rich_S

    Rich_S TrainBoard Member

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    Do modern Lionel locomotives have a wound field or do they use permanent magnets for the field like those found in can motors? Lionel trains do have DC on the track or am I wrong, do they use AC?
     
  7. ScaleCraft

    ScaleCraft TrainBoard Member

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    Lionel is AC, but the old motors will run just fine on both DC and AC. Newer Lionel has can motors, permags...but a circuit board that electronically rectifies and reverses. You need to decide what you want to do, what vintage you want.
    All of my stuff is postwar, with a couple of prewar (like a 225E).
    Dave
     
  8. Rich_S

    Rich_S TrainBoard Member

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    Dave,
    Thanks for the info. If I make the move to 3 rail O, it will be post war. I'm not looking to collect, just looking to have a small Lionel layout just for fun. I'll probably go with a conventional Lionel transformer like the ZW, with the ability to run just a couple of trains. A semi scale type layout like I've seen on some of the TM Books Lionel Nation videos.
     

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