Hello all, got a problem with one of my blue line locos . Just shopping for a little advice on what to do about this situation here . I have a blue line ho engine sd40-2 no# 1649 , I like most of you like to test my engines in dc mode before i convert to dcc. This is what happened with the engine when i tested it in dc. The unit started up and ran fine , both forward and reverse . Before i tested it i set up a little test track on my workbench area , my test tracks are a few 9 inch staights and a few 18 radius curves . Now back to my testing of the loco . I had run the engine back and fourth a few times slow as well as fast, when i ran the loco fast in the forward direction . It jumped the track ! when this happened i saw a bright spark from the rear truck . From that moment , nothing worked, the dc transformer had blown. I went to the lhs , to pick up a used dc transformer . Which i found , anyway got back to the blueline loco. Tried testing it to make sure it was still functional , and nothing ! engine just sits there and hums. Took it apart unplugged and replugged some wires to the board within the loco. Nothing happens , engine just keeps on humming. Was wondering if anyone could give me a little advice on how to fix it ? or should i just send it out for repair ?
I would send it back for repair after first calling BLI Customer Service to explain the problem in detail.
If you blew the transformer as well as the motor, you have some kind of serious problem. That simply should not happen.
As far as the transformer goes, I wonder if you can reset the circuit breaker. Is there a fuse on the transformer?
Rich
Alton Junction
I would find a known good power source and try the loco again. The power pack you picked up may not be good. I'd take the loco to the LHS and see if they have a test track. If it doesn't work there send it back under warranty.
Springfield PA
Hamltnblue I would find a known good power source and try the loco again. The power pack you picked up may not be good. I'd take the loco to the LHS and see if they have a test track. If it doesn't work there send it back under warranty.
Before I would do that, I would try to determine what happened to the original transformer. No sense in blowing another power pack.
Well , the transformer i was using did'nt have a circuit breaker on it . It was a cheap one that i had picked up off of ebay some time ago .
And you're sure it is dead?
The only other power source i have is my nce power cab ,and another dc transformer which i just picked up. It seems pretty strong enough when i test other dcc/sound equipment. I might just have to do what your saying and go test it at the lhs .
Yeah it's dead ! it"s got that blown transformer smell to it. Plus i threw another loco on the track , and got no movement from it.
As I think more about it, the derailment probably shorted out the transformer and fried the decoder.
A very good reason to have a circuit breaker on your power supply.
I wouldn't test any more engines if I were you until you get a reliable transformer with a circuit breaker built in.
Ya know something , your right ! I will go and invest into a transformer with a circuit breaker in it . That probaly would have prevented the foul up in the first place. I've never had such a thing happen to me before. So i never really thought about how harmful it could be on my equipment !
Put some money on a good PS this time, maybe an MRC DC power supply. As much as I dislike MRC for their DCC I still swear by their DC PS ( well at least some of them ).
The better PS is like good insurance for those expensive engines.
Just a thought and good luck.
Wadda ya mean I'm old ? Just because I remember gasoline at 9 cents a gallon and those big coal burning steamers.
Your right ! like maybe an old tech 2 unit. I use to have one back in the day, don't know what i ever did with it . I'm gonna look on ebay for one. Thanks for the advice everyone,
zxb1 Your right ! like maybe an old tech 2 unit. I use to have one back in the day, don't know what i ever did with it . I'm gonna look on ebay for one. Thanks for the advice everyone,
I have four of the MRC Railpower 1370 transformers on my layout to power the Tortoise swtich machines and my signals.
Here is a link to one at MB Klein for $32:
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/product-p/mrc-aa370.htm
Here are its features:
18VA of powerLED pilot lightDirection control switchMaster on-off switch300 degree speed control throttleAC output for accessoriesAutomatic circuit protector5-year limited warrantyUL Listed
You can buy a less expensive version, the MRC Railpower 1300 at MB Klein for $24.99. It has less features but still has an automatic circuit protector.
Thanks for the link . And to be honest i think i'm gonna grab two of em ! I need a transformer to power some switches as well ....