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Question 1960"s HO track and transformers - how to power and clean
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Offline mrfixit  
#1 Posted : 14 December 2020 14:49:34(UTC)
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mrfixit

United States   
Joined: 14/12/2020(UTC)
Posts: 5
Location: Massachusetts
I need some assistance, please. From a 5'X9' layout which my dad bought for me in 1960-1961, I have an assortment of 3 rail track, switches, 2
transformers, and 2 powered engines. All of the wiring is pretty well gone--cracked and brittle, and some of the track is pretty rusted.
Since I want to keep and resurrect this set, I can use suggestions on how to repower and clean the track, and get is operational again.

My wife wanted to buy me a Marklin piece for Christmas, but until I know how to get the current project up and going,
I deferred.

Thanks,
Mr.fixit
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Offline DaleSchultz  
#2 Posted : 14 December 2020 18:44:04(UTC)
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DaleSchultz

United States   
Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,997
replace the power cables on the transformers.
Take an old PC power cable, unplug it and then cut the PC end off.
Unplug transformer.
Open up the metal transformer case by bending the metal tabs on the bottom.
Take picture of connections.
Remove old power cable.
Thread cut end of PC cable in, tie a knot so it can't be pulled out.
Strip the wires and connect to the original connections.
Reassemble.
Test
Dale
Intellibox + own software, K-Track
My current layout: https://cabin-layout.mixmox.com
Arrival and Departure signs: https://remotesign.mixmox.com
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Offline hxmiesa  
#3 Posted : 14 December 2020 19:24:56(UTC)
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hxmiesa

Spain   
Joined: 15/12/2005(UTC)
Posts: 3,520
Location: Spain
Originally Posted by: DaleSchultz Go to Quoted Post

Thread cut end of PC cable in, tie a knot so it can be pulled out.

CAN´T! ;-)

-Or better yet; Let the X-mas Märklin piece be a 6646 white trafo!

Best regards
Henrik Hoexbroe ("The Dane In Spain")
http://hoexbroe.tripod.com
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Offline DaleSchultz  
#4 Posted : 14 December 2020 20:16:03(UTC)
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DaleSchultz

United States   
Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,997
thanks Henrik, I fixed that bad typo!
Dale
Intellibox + own software, K-Track
My current layout: https://cabin-layout.mixmox.com
Arrival and Departure signs: https://remotesign.mixmox.com
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Offline David Dewar  
#5 Posted : 14 December 2020 21:11:55(UTC)
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David Dewar

Scotland   
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 7,343
Location: Scotland
Use C track or get a Marklin start set from Santa.
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
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Offline Tom Jessop  
#6 Posted : 14 December 2020 22:22:32(UTC)
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Tom Jessop

Australia   
Joined: 14/12/2002(UTC)
Posts: 800
Location: Newcastle NSW Australia




Make sure that it is a 110 volt transformer & not a 220 / 240 volt transformer otherwise you will have some interesting fireworks .

Cheers & a Merry Xmas

Tom in Oz .
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Offline mrfixit  
#7 Posted : 14 December 2020 22:34:09(UTC)
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mrfixit

United States   
Joined: 14/12/2020(UTC)
Posts: 5
Location: Massachusetts
Thanks for that information. It will help me repower my 2 transformers. What size wire do I use to replace the power and ground wires on the middle and outside rail. and what kind of terminals do I use to connect the wires to the transformers?
I have figured out how to remove the rust from the rails.
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Offline mrfixit  
#8 Posted : 14 December 2020 22:45:56(UTC)
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mrfixit

United States   
Joined: 14/12/2020(UTC)
Posts: 5
Location: Massachusetts
Originally Posted by: DaleSchultz Go to Quoted Post
replace the power cables on the transformers.
Take an old PC power cable, unplug it and then cut the PC end off.
Unplug transformer.
Open up the metal transformer case by bending the metal tabs on the bottom.
Take picture of connections.
Remove old power cable.
Thread cut end of PC cable in, tie a knot so it can't be pulled out.
Strip the wires and connect to the original connections.
Reassemble.
Test


Originally Posted by: Tom Jessop Go to Quoted Post




Make sure that it is a 110 volt transformer & not a 220 / 240 volt transformer otherwise you will have some interesting fireworks .

Cheers & a Merry Xmas

Tom in Oz .

Hi Tom,
Yes, it is a 110 Volt transformer. Will you please look at my question regarding size of wire for power to middle rail and outside rail, and the type of electrical pin connector to connect said wires to the transformer? My transformers have 3 sets of connectors. 1 for rail power, 1 for overhead wire power, and 1 for switches. I really don't want to change to the C rail as the 2 powered cars run on the center rail .

My dad always wanted me to go down under, as he was stationed in Perth after the war. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Merry Christmas

Paul in retirement.
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Offline H0  
#9 Posted : 15 December 2020 09:05:34(UTC)
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H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,267
Location: DE-NW
Originally Posted by: Tom Jessop Go to Quoted Post
Make sure that it is a 110 volt transformer & not a 220 / 240 volt transformer otherwise you will have some interesting fireworks.
Note that transformers made for 110, 220, or 240 volts must not be used with modern digital locos.
Better get a current transformer for the local voltage - 120 or 230 volts.

Regards
Tom
---
"In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
UserPostedImage
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Offline mrfixit  
#10 Posted : 15 December 2020 14:10:35(UTC)
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mrfixit

United States   
Joined: 14/12/2020(UTC)
Posts: 5
Location: Massachusetts
Originally Posted by: H0 Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: Tom Jessop Go to Quoted Post
Make sure that it is a 110 volt transformer & not a 220 / 240 volt transformer otherwise you will have some interesting fireworks.
Note that transformers made for 110, 220, or 240 volts must not be used with modern digital locos.
Better get a current transformer for the local voltage - 120 or 230 volts.


Good morning Tom,
Thanks for the input. Both transformers are for 110 volt, and both engines are from the same timeline. I researched the track, and it appears that I have #3800 and #3900 track. Some of it it is running shape and some of it is quite rusty, and is be resuscitated now.
Is a current transformer compatible with my older track and engines?

Paul
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Offline hxmiesa  
#11 Posted : 15 December 2020 14:43:18(UTC)
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hxmiesa

Spain   
Joined: 15/12/2005(UTC)
Posts: 3,520
Location: Spain
Originally Posted by: mrfixit Go to Quoted Post

Is a current transformer compatible with my older track and engines?

Yes!
Best regards
Henrik Hoexbroe ("The Dane In Spain")
http://hoexbroe.tripod.com
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Offline Don Mebius  
#12 Posted : 17 January 2024 03:18:53(UTC)
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Don Mebius

United States   
Joined: 25/02/2018(UTC)
Posts: 13
Location: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
I would add a simple method of removing rust from the M tracks.
I use an old toothbrush and dip it in rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) and scrub.
It doesn't take long, and it cleans very well!
Good luck!
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