TW transformer repair

[Anonymous]

The 110 v power cord needs replacing. To rotate & lift a metal bracket to get at the soldered connections apparently requires disconnecting 5 other wires. All have cloth insulation. My questions: 1- Do these 5 wires need to be disconnected (unsoldered) or am I missing something?. 2- What about replacement wire. Will standard Radio Shack plastic about 20 guage do or is there a heat resistant insulation recommended? 3- where do I buy the small "on" light bulb? Thanks.

[ben10ben]

While I don't have any experience with the TW, I do have enough experience with other transformers to say that probably yes you do need disconnect all the other wires. Unsolder them, though, don't cut them, and be sure to note their position unless you have acess to a wiring diagram.

I have never found it necessary to replace wires in a transformer. The cloth insulation is in a place where it won't be disturbed, so there won't be any dangerous fraying or other dangerous conditions. Some wires do indeed have an asbestos insulation, and those definitely should not be replaced. The asbestos is on there for a good reason, and, despite what the lawyers and media would make you think, it's totally harmless unless it's crumbling, there's a lot of it, and you breathe in a huge concentration of it every day(the first is not likely, the other two won't happen with a transformer).

Any parts dealer should carry a replacement lightbulb.

[Chris F]

Can't help you with the first two questions - I've got a TW but it came with a new cord. The pilot lamp is Lionel #53-300, 14.4V, bayonet-base bulb, size G3-1/2. I have a 2000 Radio Shack catalog that shows them, and you could probably also get them from an auto supply store (or even one of the -Marts[:)]).

[spankybird]

here is a link that might help you

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=667

click on the slide to inlarge it.