American Flyer Transformer question

[Anonymous]

Folks,
I have a black 3 post (up to 18 volt) with a red handle that shifts down to put the juice to it. What is the best way to clean the connection up. I cleaned the handle with a green kitchen scrubby but the base connection seems harder to get to.
Thanks
JOE

[lionelsoni]

I assume that by "base connection" you mean the clip that the handle makes contact with in the down position. ("Base" is a problematic term, since American Flyer used it as a synonym for "common" or "ground".) I would think that simply moving the handle up and down a few times would clean it functionally. Wire brushes are made for cleaning the insides of copper plumbing fittings for soldering; but I think they would do more harm than good by taking off the plating.

[Anonymous]

yes, sorry... very new at this. I was talking of the clip that the handle sets into.

The problem is that the train with stop all of a sudden and only by slightly moving the handle will I get the power to go back on. It seems to be a problem with the handle connection and/or reostat portion. Where would you suggest that I could get it repaired? Is it something that I could clean up myself other than your suggestion?

Also: What web sites do you like for parts?

In addition: I noticed my owners manual on the steam locomotive (1957 vintage) says that the transformer goes to 15 volts and I noticed mine goes to 18 volts... can this harm my train?
Thanks JOE

[lionelsoni]

I just realized that we should not be concerned with an electrical connection between the handle and the clip, because there is none. The clip is just to hold the handle down. The handle actually moves the wiper inside to a lower position, where it can contact the surface of the secondary winding. The intermittent connection may be due to a worn carbon roller on the wiper, which has become too small to reach the winding reliably.

It is tempting to try to bend the wiper arm to take up the slack, but I have broken two of them doing that. (I am a slow learner.) The American Flyer wipers are much more brittle than Lionel's.

I seem to remember doing some shimming to tighten the entire rotating assembly, which can get pretty loose with wear. I'll take a look when I get home and see whether I can recommend anything specific along that line.

[DCmontana]

It will harm the train if it makes it go so fast that it runs off the track, wrecks, and is damaged, but other than that I don't think so. Maybe someone else can shed some light, but I think you will be O.K.

[otftch]

Try S &W Parts at www.sandwparts.com.
Ed

[Anonymous]

I like it

[lionelsoni]

I pulled my 30B apart to see what I did to tighten up the knobs.

The knob is held to the case by two plastic posts on either side of the middle. Each post goes through a circular slot in the case and is secured with washers and a screw on the back. I found a washer with a hole that fit nicely around the post and had just the thickness that I needed. I held that on with a fender washer of the same outside diameter. The washers that I used are made by Hillman and sold as 1/4" washers at Home Depot (I think), although they will pass a 5/16 screw. Depending on how loose your knobs are, you may need thinner, thicker, or multiple washers, or none at all. Put the smoother side of the washer, if any, toward the case, of course.

[Anonymous]

Bob and all,
Thanks for all your help... I am on the road now but will be home tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing if I can get this thing running smoothly. I really appreciate all your help and time. What a great forum!
JOE

[Sturgeon-Phish]

While you have it apart replace the carbon roller(s) rather than bending he sweep arm, easy and cheap. Take electrical cleaner and remove the carbon tracks from the transformer secondary windings. As said eariler the clip is not an electrical connection, just a means to hold the "deadman" down. Touchey controls may be from dirty winding or the roller acting up.