Model Train Transformer>
The Model Train Transformer is without doubt one of the most important parts of the train set.
You’ve set up that old electric train set that has been sitting in your attic or basement only to discover the transformer doesn’t work. You can get a new one or have someone repair it for you, but both of these options can be costly. With a little bit of patience and skill you can save yourself some money and do it yourself.
Determine what needs to be repaired by plugging in your transformer. If you can hear a sound from the transformer, but the train does not move, the contacts on the track need to be replaced or cleaned.
Unplug the transformer if it appears to be dead and use a screwdriver to dismantle it, making sure you’re well grounded and any excess charge in the transformer has been dissipated.
Look for wires that are disconnected, loose, green-tinted or whitened (which indicates they’re oxidized).
Use a soldering gun to reattach any disconnected wires.
Use a soldering gun to detach any oxidized wires and remove any excess solder that may be on the wires.
Place the wire tips into an oxidation remover and wait several minutes. Remove the wires and wipe them with a soft towel. Allow the wires to dry completely, then use a soldering gun to replace them inside the unit.
Replace any frayed wires and solder them into place.
Check the AC/DC output of the transformer. If you get a low or no reading, replace the plug.
Tips & Warnings
Keep a small bag or tray near your work area so that you can place your loose parts in them to avoid losing them.Make sure you are grounded when working on a transformer. They are electrical devices and may still hold a charge.
Here’s how to troubleshoot and repair your model train transformer so you can have it up and running for the holidays.
Instructions Things You’ll Need:
* Wire strippers
* Tweezers
* Screwdrivers
* Soldering iron and solder
* Oxidation remover
* Spare wire
Step 1
Set up your model train set as you normally would, including the transformer to track hookups. Once that is completed, plug the transformer and slowly turn the dial.
Step 2
Listen closely to the transformer to determine if you hear any buzzing sounds emanating from it. If you hear buzzing from the transformer, but not the train, then the track’s contacts probably need to cleaned.
Step 3
If you do not hear anything coming from the transformer, or you cleaned all of the contacts and the train still doesn’t work, then we need to look at the transformer. Before you do anything, UNPLUG the transformer.
Step 4
Make sure you are properly grounded and use the screwdriver to carefully open the transformer case by removing the screws.
Step 5
Locate the capacitor inside the housing and use the screwdriver to discharge any stored voltage.
Step 6
Inspect all of the wiring within the unit, making sure to search for loose connections, frayed wires or oxidized connections. If you find any broken wires, clean them up and use the soldering iron to replace them to their proper terminals.
Step 7
If a wire is oxidized, use the soldering iron to remove the solder from the wire. Then, clean the oxidation from the wires by dipping them in the oxidation remover. Keep the wire in the solution until all of the oxidization is removed. Make sure it is completely dry before re soldering the wire back into place.
Step 8
Once everything has been inspected and repaired, put the transformer back together and reconnect it to the track. Plug it back in and give it another test. If all goes well, the train should begin to move. If it doesn’t, then the transformer may be unrepairable and should be replaced.
I hope these tips help you when it comes to servicing your Model Train Transformer.
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