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How to Wire an Old Lionel Train Set

Hobbyists and model railroad fans have been collecting and "playing" with Lionel trains since 1900. All electric train layouts require attachment to a power source to make them operational. If you have acquired an older set of Lionel trains, successfully powering up the tracks will only require a few minutes of your time.

Things You'll Need

Lionle Lighted Lock-On, Part number 6-14112
Utility knife
2 strands of common bell wire, long enough to reach from the Lock-On to the train transformer

Instructions

- 1
  Select a straight track section where you wish to install the Lighted Lock-On.
- 2
  Slide either outer rail into the metal lip of the Lock-On. It is located closest to the wiring thumbscrews.
- 3
  Press the lower edge of the center rail inside the metal clip near the end of the lock-on. The track section is now firmly secured.
- 4
  Remove 1/2 inch of insulation from each end of the two strands of bell wire with the utility knife.
- 5
  Turn off or unplug the train transformer from the power outlet.
- 6
  Connect the stripped end of one wire to the Power/A (accessory) terminal on the train transformer, and connect one end of the second wire to the common grounding terminal on the transformer .
- 7
  Loosen the two thumbscrews on the Lock-On.
- 8
  Wrap the opposite end of the wire attached to the Power/A accessory terminal around the post labeled "1" on the Lock-On. Tighten down the thumbscrew ensuring good bare wire contact with the threaded post and a tight connection.
- 9
  Wrap the opposite end of the wire attached to the common grounding terminal around the post marked "2" on the Lock-On. Then tighten down the thumbscrew ensuring good bare wire contact with the threaded post and a secure connection.
- 10
  Power up the transformer. The green indicator light on the Lock-On will glow, signaling that you have made solid wiring connections and that power is flowing throughout your layout.

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