erecter transformers

[Anonymous]

tonight i was runing my marx train plus my lionel and i was rearanging my track on the living room floor. i was moving my transformer when it gave a loud pop and i had two peces the transformer in my left hand and the cord in my right. the transformer came with my 1930's ives. dose any body know if i put a new cord on dose it take the value away? thank you farmall kid

[Algonquin]

Hi Farmall Kid,

Most old transformers have had their power cords replaced. If you plan to use it, I would HIGHLY recommend replacing the cord. This is a safety issue. I don't believe keeping the damaged cord in place will help it's valve as anyone that wants to buy it would have to replace the cord to use it. If you want to save the old cord, store it separately with the transformer. I would also have a Lionel Service Station (You can locate one on the Lionel website "www.lionel.com") do the repair. They can also check the internal wiring for safety. Many times the internal wiring insulation becomes brittle and comes off. If this wiring comes into contact with the metal transformer casing it becomes a shock hazard. For the above safety reasons, it is good practice to have a transformer checked by a qualified technician before using it if it has been in storage for many years.

Regards,

Tim Pignatari