Bachmann Transformer

[Anonymous]

Can you burn up one of these that came with the 10 wheeler?
I was running it for about 30 min with 5 cars + engine on the oval track provided which is POS they call "steel" track. [:o)]

Answers

[kstrong]

If it's the big grey one with a large (say 3" dia.) knob, then it should be up to the task. If it's a smaller, much more plastic looking unit, then it's a bit more possible that the unit isn't quite up to the task. Call Bachmann's service department. They should be able to help you out with a replacement. www.bachmanntrains.com

Later,

K

[Anonymous]

I went back after a few and noticed the box had cooled down.
I tried it and it worked. Now I know when it gets hot to stop [:D]
It is the one that has a red wheel for power and 2 brass contact screws at either end of the box when your looking down on it.

[Anonymous]

Mine does that too. The internal circuit breaker does protect it to a certain amount. I have managed to burn out two of them until I can decide on what I plan to do for power in the future. I just purchased 4 of these little xformers for 10 bucks on ebay so I have spares to burn until I decide.

[Anonymous]

Ok, I am glade it's just not mine and others to[;)]

[Anonymous]

The video that comes with the Big Haulers, if I am not mistaken, mentions that it has a failsafe device that will return the unti back of allowed to cool.

I am very much in need of advise on what sort of transformer/controller to purchase for my layout. Somting that can run a full yard's layout. I have gone to the Trainworld webpage and seen lots of stuff, but my ignorance was showing.

Anyone got any suggestions? All I have is that black and red control box from Bachmann (actually three of them from two old N scale sets).

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Capt Carrales

The video that comes with the Big Haulers, if I am not mistaken, mentions that it has a failsafe device that will return the unti back of allowed to cool.

Sorry Capt.
There was no video and no smoke and no hatch to the tender where battery goes.
So I bought http://www.megasteam.com/index.html Coal smoke and some others and found it does not smoke like I would have hope for in my Suethe.
The Battery comes latter have another tender I can bash it.

[kstrong]

That little transformer is not what you want to be using to run your trains. It's fine for getting started, but it's designed for HO and N scale sets. If you're going to continue with track power, you owe it to yourself to acquire a good power supply, one that can provide ample power for the amount of trains you will be running. I wrote a comparison article for Garden Railways a few years back, the August 2003 issue, I believe. It looked at a vast majority of the power supplies available in all price ranges and power ratings.

If you're only going to be running one or two locos at the most, one of the smller transformers such as Bachmann's "Spectrum" power supply or one of the MRC supplies advertised in GR will work just fine. If you will be running three or more motors (doubleheaded diesels, multiple trains, etc., then you'll want to spring for one of the more expensive units from Bridgewerks, Aristocraft, or others.

Whatever you do, you'll want to replace that el-cheapo Bachmann plastic job as quickly as possible.

Later,

K

[Anonymous]

Kstrong,

Thanks for the heads up. Will have to go through my GR issues and check it out. [:)]

[Anonymous]

they had to cut corners some place i guess its the transformer & track.

[Anonymous]

It's ok now seeing how it is on eBay.................