The model train transformer is probably the most boring, unattractive and least talked about piece of equipment that your model train kit will ever have.
When your friends come round to see your masterpiece, they probably won’t say “Oh what a stunning model train transformer!”
But yet without it sitting there quietly in a far away hidden place on the set, nothing – absolutely nothing will happen!
The model train transformer is synonymous to your very own pumping heart and likewise it sends pulse of “life blood” to all of your trains, signals and gadgets keeping them moving around the track at any given time.
But for a piece of equipment that is so important most people never give it a thought, until it goes wrong, but if you give it love and care as an important member of your train family, you should get years of faithful service from it.
But what exactly does your model train transformer do?
Well your house is fitted with an alternating electrical current of electricity at is normally at 110 or 220 volts (220volts ac) and this rating of electricity is way too high for your small trains.
The model train transformer is plugged into the wall socket of your house and it takes the incoming power and converts it from alternating current to direct current and then also converts it from 220volts to a very low and safe 12 to 15 volts.
In fact the electrical current is running through the tracks and you can touch them without getting hurt.
You may also notice that there are small sparks sometimes when you place the train on the tracks. This is normal and do not worry.
The transformer controls and regulates the amount of power the track gets and on most transformers there is a know or control button that allows you to make the trains go faster or different directions.
When you turn the knob on the transformer, you increase the amount of electricity going to the tracks and the trains will go faster and if you turn the knob completely the other way, the transformer, feeds the electricity to the tracks in a different way and the train goes backwards.
There are no moving parts to a model train transformer and keeping it clean is sufficient normally. Make sure the cables do not get pulled or that the transformer is not hanging from it’s cables. If you see bare cables do not use it and either get it repaired or buy a new one.
Remember electricity is dangerous, so only let experts make any changes to your model train transformer.
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