Bidspirit auction | Lionel Trainmaster Type ZW Transformer

Lionel Trainmaster Type ZW Transformer and a Crescent 1925 Locomotive Novelty Telephone - This lot features a heavy-duty model train power supply and a coordinated novelty telephone. The primary item is a black plastic and metal Trainmaster transformer. A metal plate on the front is printed with: FOR ALTERNATING CURRENT ONLY / 275 WATTS / 115 VOLTS TYPE-ZW 60 CYCLES / Multi-Control / Trainmaster TRANSFORMER / THE LIONEL CORPORATION / NEW YORK / MADE IN U. S. OF AMERICA. The top of the housing features a printed circular red, white, and blue logo containing a stylized L. The unit is equipped with two large black voltage control levers, two smaller secondary control switches labeled WHISTLE and DIRECTION, and eight metal binding posts at the base organized under the word COMMON. A red indicator lamp is mounted on the right side and a green indicator lamp is mounted on the left. The secondary item is a molded plastic novelty landline telephone designed in the form of a steam locomotive and track section. The locomotive is finished in green and black with gold-toned accents and the number 1396 printed on the cab and sand dome. An adhesive label on the side of the grey track base reads CRESCENT 1925. The boiler section of the locomotive is a detachable handset featuring an integrated push-button keypad with standard alphanumeric characters and buttons labeled R and M. A label on the underside of the base identifies the manufacturer as Telemania and includes model information for the American Locomotive phone. The handset contains a battery compartment housing two AA batteries. , The Lionel transformer shows visible surface scuffs and scratches on the black housing (photo 6) and minor pitting on the metal faceplate (photo 5). Dust accumulation is present throughout the cooling vents and around the control levers (photo 7). The electrical cord is intact but exhibits age-related stiffness (photo 1). The locomotive telephone shows light surface dust and minor scuffs to the plastic boiler and base (photo 2). The battery compartment terminals are obscured by existing batteries and were not inspected for corrosion (photo 8). All items are offered in untested condition.