Problem with Lionel no. 2494 Rotary Beacon

[mwarfel]

I just bought a Lionel beacon from Jay Cain today and when we were going to hook it up there was only 1 wiring clip when there's suppose to be 2. So does anyone have the same beacon that has a wiring diagram or know how to wire it up? If you do have a diagram you can just send it or put it in the reply. Thanks.

[rkneisel]

Max, what is the number on the beacon? I have an older version - No 494. I have two clips on the bottom. The one in the center seems to be insulated. Try this web page to see if it helps: http://books.google.com/books?id=GYZzG1QcmTAC&pg=PA71&lpg=PA71&dq=494+beacon+wiring+diagram&source=bl&ots=py1WSILUY2&sig=F_uwURzoyA_4z1d4SG26DuIHdVQ&hl=en&ei=ABb9SY_SJKOMtgfzp8SSDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#PPA71,M1

Rick

[mwarfel]

All it says is no. 2494 and the Lionel Corp....
But I will try the link you gave me and see if that works.

Nope, doesn't work. When I enter the number it comes up with nothing.

[cwarfel]

I've taken a closer look at this in daylight and Rick's comment about the insulated clip helped turn the old light on upstairs. The clip on the bottom of this is attached to the rod that runs from the base up to the light and is insulated from the base of the tower. The hot wire from the lamp and presumably the vibrating mechanism is soldered to the rod that runs down to the insulated clip. This obviously is where the hot wire is attached.

The second clip is missing; you can just barely see an outline where it once was attached. Jay C. (this came off of his layout) appears to have soldered the ground wire to where the light fixture and vibrating mechanism mount to the top of the tower as there is a drop of old solder at this location. Based on this, I am assuming that the tower structure itself provides the ground.

Someone who is familiar with the rotary beacons that have this rod up the center please advise if I am correct on this.

Thanks,
Curt

[rkneisel]

Max, I guess I should have seen the model number in your title. I have not found anything yet either on your 2494. On the 494, the clip in the middle is insulated and the other clip next to it is not. I am guessing that the insulated clip connects to a wire that runs to the vibrator motor on the top (the pole that runs up the center of the tower). It appears to me that the other clip is just connecting to the metal base of the tower as a ground. The 494 runs on 12 to 14 volts. If your one clip is an insulated clip, you may want to attach the hot lead to it and then touch a ground wire to your base to see if it rotates.

Rick

[rkneisel]

Curt, your assessment is the same as mine. You must have posted as I was writing and cooking some waffles!

Rick

[mwarfel]

My dad got it to work by touching ground to the side of it and hot to the pole running up the center.

[rkneisel]

Hmmmmmmm, Curt...... we will have to ask Dr. Ted if this qualifies us as physician assistants! :D

[tbrook]

Sorry, I was out of town for this discussion. Yes, all of your assessments are correct. The clip for the 'hot' does go up the center pole and does attach to one side of the light and the vibrating motor. The other side of the light and motor is attached to ground which is the metal structure. A simple wire soldered to the frame of the beacon will complete the circuit.

I have not heard of the 2494 number before. I know the beacon as a 394 which is the heat bulb version, and 494 which is the vibrating motor version.

See Attachment for schematic of the 494.

Les should be able to order you a clip.

The physicians interns correctly diagnosed the problem and the cure.

[mwarfel]

Everything on the beacon is running smoothly. Just replaced the little grip piece on the bottom which helps it rotate. Apparently someone glued it to the bottom when it's supposed to be set on, not glued on. Now it rotates just right.

Max

[rkneisel]

I'll have to come over and see it in action.

[mwarfel]

Sounds good. You'll also be able to see the new things I've added to the layout; like the swamp I put in.

Max

[rsedgley]

I just sent an email with a copy of the Instruction sheet & Diagram for the 494 from the "Complete Service Manual for Lionel Trains".

[mwarfel]

Alright, thank you.

Max