Joined: 19/08/2009(UTC) Posts: 199 Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
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I have an old blue steel case model #6150 M* transformer. The transformer looks great and works fine. Unfortunately, the original power cord's insulation sheath is degrading to the point where I'm uncomfortable using it. Can an average guy w/ an average mechanical and electrical skill set replace the cord, or does it have to be repaired at an Authorized Marklin Dealer? Would anyone who has(successfully)done this please explain it to me? Thank you
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Joined: 08/01/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,218 Location: Shady Shores, TX - USA
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I think the old steel cases can be taken apart by using a pare of pliers to twist the tabs on the bottom, might not be hard to change the cord after that but is it worth it safety wise (safety disclaimer). but its not hard just un-solder the wires and reattach a new cable. I did one on a plastic blue one Zscale transformer and the only thing hard about it was drilling out the rivets. High temp soldering iron may be needed as they may of used silver solder. In the states If it is a sealed transformer and it has a UL sticker on it most dealers wont touch it do to legal issues. I don't understand this because all hardware stores in the US sell lamp repair kits. |
DT Now powered by ECoS II unit#2, RocRail
era - some time in the future when the space time continuum is disrupted and ICE 3 Trains run on the same rails as the Adler and BR18's. |
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Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC) Posts: 15,871 Location: Gibraltar, Europe
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walters48 wrote:I have an old blue steel case model #6150 M* transformer. The transformer looks great and works fine. Unfortunately, the original power cord's insulation sheath is degrading to the point where I'm uncomfortable using it. Can an average guy w/ an average mechanical and electrical skill set replace the cord, or does it have to be repaired at an Authorized Marklin Dealer? Would anyone who has(successfully)done this please explain it to me? Thank you This is very dangerous. There is great danger of fire or electrocution. Don't use the transformer as it is. My old transformer started getting this problem years ago and I rewired it with a good modern flex. Take it to a competent electrician. |
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
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Joined: 28/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 8,243 Location: Montreal, QC
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My Dad did this for the old blue (metal) transformers. Once the clips on the bottom were straightened, the cover could be removed, and a new cable soldered on to the contacts where the original cable was attached. He then carefully replaced the cover and bent the clips to seal the transformer together again. The transformers worked as good as new after that. I would not attempt such a repair on the more modern blue transformers, as they are not outwardly openable. This may be a good occasion to replace your older transformers with the newer white ones which respect the current electrical codes. I bought one last year from AJCKids (likely from a Start Set) at a very decent price. You may also use this as a pretext to launch into the digital world...
Regards
Mike C
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Joined: 10/11/2006(UTC) Posts: 455 Location: Pacific Ocean
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Hi 48, I won't comment on your specific problem but I wanted to post a couple cents worth of general observations for the 'average guy w/ an average mechanical and electrical skill set'. When soldering electrical components be sure and use an electrical solder as most nonelectrical solders and flux are acid based which will cause corrosion related problems. Also look at some web photos of a properly soldered joint vs a poorly soldered one. Secondly, one needs to make certain that any replacement AC cord is wired up identical to the original. Accidently miswiring the hot, neutral, and ground wires on the device can be very hazardous. In the USA, hot is the small flat prong, neutral is the larger flat prong, and safety ground is the round prong on a common household 3 wire cord. One needs to determine which is going where before replacing the original wire. If you're not in the US, then disregard the above as it's always going to be something different.
If the above isn't absolutely clear then I would definately have someone qualified work on it or buy a new device. -George
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