 Joined: 22/12/2012(UTC) Posts: 3
|
Hello, I have a very old Marklin transformer (pictures attached) from the early 1960's. It has been working great for all these years, but just yesterday it started acting up, where when turning the potentiometer up from 0, no power was getting to the track. Pressing the knob to reverse direction operated normally. I tried to turn the potentiometer a few times, from 0 up to mid range, then max, then back to zero, etc, not too slow, and not too fast, but still nothing. It tried removing the connectors connecting the wires to the track in the back of the unit and re-inserting them, still nothing. I then lifted the transformer gently to hold it in my hands, and then gently placed it down. It then worked. After using the trains for a few hours, but not much at all really, maybe a total run time of about 10 minutes, the problem returned. With a very light bounce I can get it working again. If anyone has any advice what I can do to further investigate the issue and even for getting this refurbished, I would greatly appreciate it. I've had trouble free operation with this for 60 years, I have no problem investing in a good overhaul in order keep it running another 60 for my children and grandchildren to enjoy. Note: I using this only around Christmas each year, and all my equipment is stored in climate controlled environment, so they are well cared for. Thank you, Nick   
|
 1 user liked this useful post by Slinger
|
|
|
|
 Joined: 04/04/2013(UTC) Posts: 1,291 Location: Port Moody, BC
|
There have been numerous posts on this forum regarding the danger of these old blue metal case transformers and the safety risk of severe shocks or worse due to the interior deterioration of the wiring and components. My strong advice would be "Do Not Use It!" The general comments in this forum have been to bring these to a recycling center and buy a new one.
Peter
|
4 users liked this useful post by PMPeter
|
|
|
|
Joined: 22/12/2012(UTC) Posts: 3
|
Thank you Peter. Over the years, I've looked for a replacement but can't determine the what exactly to replace it with, that is, one that has the 30VA secondary output or similar AC output power. My locomotives are the old "analog" type, not digital or DCC. Any suggestions on a good replacement that would be compatible with these old engines?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: 04/04/2013(UTC) Posts: 1,291 Location: Port Moody, BC
|
Originally Posted by: Slinger  Thank you Peter. Over the years, I've looked for a replacement but can't determine the what exactly to replace it with, that is, one that has the 30VA secondary output or similar AC output power. My locomotives are the old "analog" type, not digital or DCC. Any suggestions on a good replacement that would be compatible with these old engines? One that I would suggest for North American use is Marklin 6646 available from AJCKIDS at around $130. It is 32VA at 120 VAC.
|
1 user liked this useful post by PMPeter
|
|
|
|
Joined: 22/12/2012(UTC) Posts: 3
|
Thanks for the quick responses and sound advice Peter.
Nick
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Joined: 09/08/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,919 Location: Auckland,
|
Sounds like something has come loose internally. The insulation on the wires feeding into these transformers perish due to age and it would be prudent to have an electrically savvy person replace them at the same time as checking for the fault you have.
If you do not have electrical experience yourself, it would be best to get an electrician to look at it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: 28/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 8,225 Location: Montreal, QC
|
Do not handle the transformer with bare hands. There is a risk that deteriorated insulation inside the unit will result in live voltage to the housing.
Both the actual AC cord and the wires inside the unit can be subject to crumbling leading to short circuits and electrocution risk.
AFAIK you can safely use the 1970s blue plastic transformers or the newer white plastic ones. As the mains voltage has changed, the best option would be to use the 6646
The old transformers had a light which dimmed when there was a track short, but did not cut power. The new ones cut off and reset, meaning that there is less risk of damage to wheels and sliders following a derailment or short.
Regards
Mike C
|
2 users liked this useful post by mike c
|
|
|
|
 Joined: 21/12/2012(UTC) Posts: 1,482 Location: Hrvatska
|
Could it be that the bimetal contact (which turns off the transformer in the event of a short circuit) has oxidized so that it only occasionally connects the voltage?
As for the dangers, I think that if you don't have a pacemaker, it can cause discomfort, but nothing more, especially if you are trained?
Ever since I was little, I've been stressed many times with 220 volts, later with 360
(it was more embarrassing). I was shocked once by 500 V from the television cascade, and quite a few times by 20 kV from the coils on cars.
A friend of mine was born again from a coma after he hooked a 110 kV transmission line with a fishing rod and fell into a coma (2 weeks ago). He was discharged from the hospital yesterday as healthy, he only has burns on his arm and leg through which the electricity came out.
I'm just kidding, don't play with electricity, especially if you're barefoot and on wet ground!
|
3 users liked this useful post by 1borna
|
|
|
|
Joined: 09/08/2008(UTC) Posts: 431 Location: Stockton, CA
|
As Peter mentioned above, you can't go wrong with the newer "white box" trafos for your analog running (I have several). I also have a few of the old "blue box" trafos -- including the Super model you mentioned at the beginning of this thread -- but they occupy a small area in my display case of no longer used, vintage items, i.e., dust collectors.
BTW... I did plug in the Super trafo not long after picking it up at a local train meet -- just once: promptly blew a fuse in the house breaker panel. Good thing the wife was out running errands.
|
2 users liked this useful post by Eurobahnfan
|
|
|
|
Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.
