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Controller burnouts on N gauge turnout.

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  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Monday, March 2, 2020 11:07 AM

 The controller burns out, not the turnout itself? Unless Bachmann is doing some really odd things, the controller should only be a simple SPDT momentary switch.

However, being plastic, they probably have the same sticking problems the Atlas control buttons do, which quickly burns out the turnout. The simple solution is to install a capacitor discharge power supply liek the Circutron Snapper between the power pack and the control boxes. The CD supply gives a quick jolt of energy and then limits the current to prevent burnout if the button is held or sticks.

                                    --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern CA Bay Area
  • 4,387 posts
Posted by cuyama on Monday, March 2, 2020 10:26 AM

Welcome to the forum. Your first few posts are moderated, so it may take a while for them to show up, especially over a weekend.

There may not be a lot of folks with direct experience with those controllers on the forum. It sounds like there might be a bad switch machine in that one turnout that is causing these problems.

Bachmann does have a forum of their own, which might be a good place for specific trouble-shooting questions.
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php

… although someone here may be able to help. Good luck with your layout.

  • Member since
    February 2020
  • 1 posts
Controller burnouts on N gauge turnout.
Posted by AF Chief on Saturday, February 29, 2020 8:34 PM

I am using Bachmann EZ track with 4 turnouts.  One of the turnouts has smoked 2 controllers at a cost of $60. I have ordered a 3rd but am relunctant to install it.  The controllers are in series with the ac power connected to the first controller that smokes.  When the one controller smokes the othe 3 turnouts still function. The turnout lead wire is connected to the controller by a standard 10 foot extension wire.  Please help.     

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