Last Updated on March 10, 2022 by Dave Farquhar
Lionel produced several 35- and 45-watt transformers through the years, including the 1010, 1025, 1015, and 1016. Lionel MPC produced a similar 4045 transformer in the 1970s. They’re small, but they only cost around $10 when you can find them, and can be useful when you string them together with other transformers. The problem is the markings don’t tell you what you need to know in order to do that. But I’ll tell you.
Lionel 1025 transformer pinout
Lionel 1025 and similar transformers have two posts, or terminals. The post on the right (with the handle facing you) doubles as the direction control switch. That post is the common post, or the base post in American Flyer terminology. When you want to phase a 1010/1015/1016/1025/4045 with another transformer, connect that right-hand post to the common or base post on your other transformer. Lionel didn’t label that post as such, but I recommend you do. The post on the left connects to the wiper, which is how you can determine the hot post on an unmarked transformer.
When wiring these transformers to the track, the post on the left is the one that will go to the center rail. Since these transformers lack a whistle control the train doesn’t care which post goes to which rail, but if you are trying to use it in phase with another transformer, the other transformer will.
Let’s talk wattage and amperage
The 35-watt versions of these transformers output 2.3 amps, while the 45-watt versions output 2.6 amps. These transformers and are fine for running switches and motorized accessories of course, and have enough amperage for a freight train, which will only have a headlight and perhaps a lighted caboose. But they may struggle with a lighted passenger train. The other place you run into problems with amperage is on larger layouts with track that isn’t pristine. A high-amperage transformer will get less voltage drop over that distance than a smaller one.
There’s no harm using this transformer in conjunction with another one while you wait for a good deal on a larger transformer.
David Farquhar is a computer security professional, entrepreneur, and author. He started his career as a part-time computer technician in 1994, worked his way up to system administrator by 1997, and has specialized in vulnerability management since 2013. He invests in real estate on the side and his hobbies include O gauge trains, baseball cards, and retro computers and video games. A University of Missouri graduate, he holds CISSP and Security+ certifications. He lives in St. Louis with his family.
David,
I appreciate you taking the time to write and post your blog. I have pickup many usable tips on Marx trains and track, this has help us greatly. Now if you were also a sailor and posted about sailing, sailboat maintenance and navigation… that would be a blessing too.
Tim
Thanks Tim! Unfortunately I know absolutely nothing about sailing, so I’ll stick with the trains and the occasional security piece.