Transformer buy one ? or a plug ?

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traintrain

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Hello i am a new member, and have a silly question to ask, i am in the UK, and brought from a charity shop a LGB train set marked 20401 US, i have added photos of the transformer included which i think has a USA plug, do i buy a plug ie 2 pin to a 3 pin plug ?, and just plug it into the mains ? or do i need something else ? last 2 photos are transformers i no idea of there value any clues ? are they the same ? different model numbers. any help with these odd questions would be great.

sorted now i brought a unit thank you
 

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You can buy a converter plug that will allow it to fit into a 3pin socket. Much as continental visitors have to do with their hairdryers and razors and phones etc.


EDIT OOPS MAYBE NOT, IS A US one lower voltage, anyone comment?
 
The Model Power is a 110v transformer & on no account should it be plugged in to the UK 230v system. The LGB
55083 & 50084 will be fine.
 
The 50083 & 4 come with train sets & there are usually plenty secondhand. I have sold these for £30 each.
 
many thanks for all the reply's, one more odd question could i use a scalextric transformer to see if the train and track work ? it is marked 15volts - 1.2 Amps, ?,
 
traintrain said:
many thanks for all the reply's, one more odd question could i use a scalextric transformer to see if the train and track work ? it is marked 15volts - 1.2 Amps, ?,
Click to expand...
A LGB loco in good condition should take about 0.5 amps & will run at less than 15 volts. Therefore the scalextric transformer should be OK as long as the output is dc.
 
traintrain said:
many thanks for all the reply's, one more odd question could i use a scalextric transformer to see if the train and track work ? it is marked 15volts - 1.2 Amps, ?,
Click to expand...
That will be fine for a small set up like yours. The worst that could happen is that your train runs a little slow or won't pull a heavy load.
Use the lowest rating fuse you have in the mains plug. A 13 Amp plug means 13 Amps max. load not use a 13A fuse in all applications!
 
traintrain said:
last 2 photos are transformers i no idea of there value any clues ?
Click to expand...
Does this mean you already have these transformers, the LGB 50083 and 50084? If yes, either of these will work great with the Stainz starter set.

The Model Power transformer was not original to the set you bought. There would have been a 120V LGB transformer, similar in appearance to the 50083 and 50084 except in a gray housing instead of red. It would very likely have been a 5003 or 50081 depending on the age of the set. LGB used red housings on their 240V mains transformers and gray housings for the 120V mains transformers.
 
phils2um said:
LGB used red housings on their 240V mains transformers and gray housings for the 120V mains transformers.
Click to expand...
That's a handy piece of advice. :clap:
Now for some from my experience.... always read the labels on the transformer, taking note of the Input, and the Output.
In very (very) simple terms, Input of 110V is basically America, and 240V is the rest of the world. The thing with 240V, is that a lot of countries have their own plug designs (you can either use adapters, or cut the plug off and use your own country standard. Now, just as important, is the Output. Firstly, make sure it is DC. Then Voltage, in the range of 12 to 24V. Finally, the Amperage, normal, very basic starter ones come starting at only 1A. With that you'll only get enough grunt to run one loco (two if you're lucky).... you'll hear of guys wanting 10A supplies, so they can run heaps and heaps of (American) locos all at the same time. Basic electricity power unit is the Watt, a measure of power. Watts are found by multiplying Volts time Amps (sometimes shown as VA).
 
Then again, as a belt and braces - Mercury 45W (230V to 110V) UK US USA Voltage Converter US and UK AC are both 60 HZ. This little device has a 45 watt capacity, which would appear to be enough to at least power a starter set loco on a basic little layout. Higher capacity devices are available. Personally I would stick with a proper UK spec unit. Scalex' transformer ? I use one myself to jolt dead NiMH packs back to life - as suggested by Brian Jones.

Seems like your charity shop find has a history, a grey import or a transient family ? Max
 
UK is 50 Hz,

Bottom line, these devices specify the input voltage and frequency. If is says 120v you cannot plug it in. 60 vs 50 Hz can sometimes be "gotten away with" depending on the transformer.

I have a lot of high end stereo gear from Japan. I have to get the voltage right (some places it is 100v 50 Hz not 110/120 and 60Hz) but once I got the voltage right, most of the 50Hz stuff was happy on 60.

The voltage is definitely critical, don't mess with it, and just look at the label, its got to be there, for all modern countries.

Greg
 
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Two different UK controllers on the For sale page which might be of interest.
 
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