Wouldn't you know it, 2 days after I bring my ZW in for its first service ever (that I know of since Dad took care of things when I was a boy and the trains have been in the attic for over 25 years) my KW starts acting up.
Here's what's happening, the circuit breaker is tripping without a derailment or short on the tracks. When I shake either the control knob, power cord or the face plate it trips. Before anyone suggests that I take it apart and look for a loose connection, be advised that I know you are supposed to pry off the two controllers from the center post but being a newbie I afraid I might break them.
So, if anyone has words of wisdom, please feel free to share them. I'm willing to try anything once.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
The throttles on the KW should lift off by pulling straight up. You should be able to do this by hand without any tools. Try pulling just the top throttle first (rather than pulling both at once) and grasp it by the outside of that center circle (not by the throttle arm or knob on the end of the arm). Pull straight up. They are just slid onto a straight slotted shaft. There isn't anything holding the throttles on except friction. The shaft is attached to a plate that is secured to the transformer frame with metal tabs and rivets. The frame and shaft aren't going to move unless they are broken inside the case. That shaft shouldn't be damaged if you pull the throttles straight up.
You will then have to pull the whistle lever off by pulling it straight up.
Olsen's Toy Train has an online library with exploded diagrams of the transformers including the KW. I'd provide a link but unfortunately they seem to be having server errors at this time. They are a good source for parts (among other places), and their willingness to make these diagram available is very generous.
Chris
Thanks guys, as usual always willing to help. I hope those exploded diagrams show me what a "grounding lug common buss bar" is. lol
I'll let you know how it turns out.
I was able to pry/lift the controls off the transformer without incident. I found that the single wire that is connected to the "C" with the other "doubled" wires had broken free from the "rivet" and was making intermittent contact. This wire goes under the coil to the opposite side from the posts to what looks to me to be a circuit breaker or maybe the grounding lug. I'm writing this from memory and didn't look at the diagram when I found it so I'm not sure of what it is. I did spend an incredible amount of time trying to reconnect the wire in some fashion but I couldn't so I'll buy a new pole and go from there. The KW goes in for service when the ZW comes back.
Please share any comments. Thanks
Bad news, I replaced the pole and the circuit break still trips. Now it is beyond my capabilities so to the shop it goes. Never thought I'd need a thrid transformer at this stage. Did plan on making a purchase for the "permanent" layout but thought my 2 originals would do. I'm taking suggestions for which one to buy and why and recommendations as to seller (if it is allowed under the rules).
So let me know what you all think.
I sent you an e-mail regarding a seller who I have had good experience with.
Another KW is a good deal in terms of price versus watts.
Chief: By lift off I don't mean they just slide off without effort. Both of my KWs do require gentle constant force pull the levers, but they haven't been so tight that I've needed to use something to pry them off. Now I do have one whistle lever that does take a bit of work to get off.
Chris,
I checked out that product and vendor you recommended. Price-wise about what I've seen around. Sounds like a passion of his rather than a hobby. So I gather that you and probably many others would recommend having another KW as a back-up rather than going for one of the lesser voltage/watts output models? As I see it, their value is their constant voltage capabilities plus the 2 train and whistle features.
Post-war ZW are another story in a class and use all by themselves, IMHO, for whatever that's worth. I plan on picking up another one of these but somewhere down the line.
Okay guys let's have it. Tell me what you think. The KW I have my eye on may not have long to live.
Mike
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month