American Flyer 17B Transformer

[rrswede]

Included in a recent purchase was an American Flyer 17B transformer. With the deadman switch depressed and in the zero MPH position (roller off the windings), I am reading 5 VAC between the base post and the variable voltage post and expected to read 0.

Can you verify I should have 0 VAC and offer trouble shooting suggestions?

Thank you, swede

 

   

 

[lionelsoni]

With the handle down, whether locked into the holder or not, you should see 6 to 15 volts, depending on the handle rotation.  Unlike a Lionel transformer, there should be no rotation position at which you can see zero volts.  To cycle the reversing unit, you must raise the handle.

[rrswede]

Thank you for the quick and very helpful response. 

I am not familiar with AF items and wrongfully expected this transformer to function the same as a Lionel. 

Is this style of operation specific to just the AF transformers with the deadman switch?

swede

[lionelsoni]

I've never used a Flyer transformer other than a 30B, but I assume that those without the deadman's switch worked like Lionel's.  That 30B looked cool, but I never got used to the handle nor having to rotate the two controls in opposite directions!

[fifedog]

My AF 15B took a little getting used to, as well, but I love the "dead-man" throttle option.  So retro.  So cool.  And yes, there is a hum when it's seated down.

[rrswede]

I find the shapes and styling of the various American Flyer transformers to be much more "modern" looking for their time than the Lionel offerings, except for the ZW. 

The hum from this 17B is as loud as the worst Lionel I have come across. I thought the coil assembly was loose in the case, as generally found in noisy Lionel transformers, but that was not the case. It is just plain noisy.

swede 

[Roger Carp]

To Bob Nelson,

 

Please contact me at Classic Toy Trains for an important question.

 

Thanks,

 

Roger Carp

Senior editor

Classic Toy Trains

262-796-8776 ext. 253

[rrlineman]

There are wood wedges underneath the coil at the lamanations. Tap the wedges in to tighten up everything and it should take the noise away.

[rrswede]

Thanks for the response. I don't recall seeing any means of wedging and no longer have the 17B to look at.

swede