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1950s O Gauge Lionel Diesel Locomotive
Ken asks readers:
“I recently acquired a 1950s model O gauge Lionel Diesel switcher loco and I am trying to return it to working order. Can anyone tell me the voltage that these early three rail locos used and was it AC or DC current?”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
ac power 0-18 volts
The engines run on 8-18 VAC
As John and Paul have commented, it’s 8-18 volts AC. The old Lionels (I have some too) ran on 3 rail track with the ground being on the two outside rails, and the hot (positive) being in the middle. Hope this helped.