I found this older transformer at a local thrift shop Never heard of the brand.Can anyone she'd any light on this?
Wonder if it would be safe to use?has a two prong non polarized power plug.Model KB 50
Some of these old transformers contained bakelite. There is some nasty stuff in Bakelite (look it up) and it goes brittle with age causing a nasty smell at best to a real smoke show at worse. Bakelite was used into the 70s in some applications. Surely we aren't in a position of having to use a 50-year-old transformer and all the excitement it may bring to the table.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
That is why I didn't buy it!
BATMANThere is some nasty stuff in Bakelite (look it up) and it goes brittle with age causing a nasty smell at best to a real smoke show at worse.
Add the possibility of a selenium rectifier to the mix. More nasty smoke
Regards, Ed
I've yet to notice any smoke or stink from this one, a Scintilla acquired new in 1956. I use it in my shop for testing and improving the performance of locomotives.
Not too bad for a 66 year-old transformer.
Wayne
I had one of these that went poof, made me take the other oldies to the recycle centre.
https://dfarq.homeip.net/how-to-check-a-train-transformer-for-safety/
While I would not trust an older Marx, the Scintilla and MRC transformers from the 60's thru the 80's were rock solid units. Worst case is they need a new cord which is a fairly straight forward repair. Bakelite isnt all bad. Tons of Lionel transfomer cases, all the OO track they made and much more were Bakelite. Which is brittle even when new. Keep it out of your mouth and you will be fine lol. I have run older copper colored MRC transformers since I was in my single digits and I am 49 now. Never one problem with them. But the current layout will be switched from MRC throttle to PFM Sound II in a couple weeks.
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
I changed my mind and went and purchased it .bonus that they had a 25percent off sale.The variable rheostat allows for very slow operation and it maxes out at almost 16 volts so for under ten bucks it seems like it will work.
After testing it with several locomotive types ,I have concluded it will serve for the test track.buzzes a little bit but does not generate excess heat nor are there any nasty smells so it will do.The power cord is a bit dry but not cracked so I may add a bit of armor all to retain pliability.