Author Topic: Dusting Off Old O27 Set (Read 1537 times)

GriffM · « **on:** December 26, 2017, 01:16:21 pm »

Hi all- I am hoping some of the enthusiasts of older train sets can help me out. I dusted off my old childhood US Steel O27 gauge set for the first time in probably 35 years this year for my boy. The set worked great for a day and then the power stopped going from the red box transformer to the track. Thinking this was an issue with the transformer, I purchased the CW-80 transformer and hooked that up. There is definitely power going to the track, but the only way to get the train to move is to use the 'whistle' button, and even then it barely moves. And when it does, it creates a lot of sparks. Am I missing something? Any help would be appreciated!

TrainLarry · « **Reply #1 on:** December 26, 2017, 03:25:03 pm »

What is the make and model number of the red transformer?

Larry

djacobsen · « **Reply #2 on:** December 26, 2017, 05:38:45 pm »

GriffM
Hello & Welcome to the Forum.
Sorry to hear about your problem
If I remember correctly, that is a
DC powered set.
Would explain your transformer problem

Happy Rails!
dave

GriffM · « **Reply #3 on:** December 26, 2017, 06:24:57 pm »

Thanks all- the original transformer is from a DC powered set (pic attached). This one stopped working one day after setting it up after being packed away for at least 30 years. By 'stopped working' I mean that there was no action occurring at the track to either the locomotive or to a crossing gate. Thinking the issue was at the transformer level, I bought a new one (the CW-80). This one, as described above, definitely supplies power to the track, but the only way to get the locomotive to move is to use the 'whistle' button, and even then it barely moves. And when it does, there are a lot of sparks between the locomotive wheels and the track.

Thanks,
Mark

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]

TrainLarry · « **Reply #4 on:** December 26, 2017, 07:00:44 pm »

You have DC powered trains trying to run on an AC powered transformer. To do so, you need a full-wave bridge rectifier hooked between the transformer output and the track.

When you press the whistle button, the transformer supplies a DC voltage to the track to trigger the whistle/horn circuits, and that is why your loco tries to run then.

Trying to run the DC powered loco on AC will burn out the motor.

A power pack with the equivalent DC power of the CW80 is this unit. It will safely run your trains.
http://www.modelrectifier.com/product-p/0001310.htm

Larry

GriffM · « **Reply #5 on:** December 26, 2017, 07:35:33 pm »

Thanks Larry- how about this one from the same manufacturer? I see it is in stock on Amazon (and a little cheaper).

Model Rectifier Corporation Railpower 1370

TrainLarry · « **Reply #6 on:** December 26, 2017, 10:05:02 pm »

The MRC 1370 is rated at 18VA of power, less than the 31VA of your red transformer. It is meant for the smaller scale trains.

Larry

GriffM · « **Reply #7 on:** December 27, 2017, 07:33:07 am »

Thank you, Larry. One last question, can I return the CW-80? Meaning, will the transformer you recommend work on it its own, or does it need to be paired with the CW-80?

TrainLarry · « **Reply #8 on:** December 27, 2017, 09:37:16 am »

The MRC power pack is a stand-alone unit.

Larry

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Author Topic: Dusting Off Old O27 Set (Read 1537 times)

GriffM

Dusting Off Old O27 Set

TrainLarry

Re: Dusting Off Old O27 Set

djacobsen

Re: Dusting Off Old O27 Set

GriffM

Re: Dusting Off Old O27 Set

TrainLarry

Re: Dusting Off Old O27 Set

GriffM

Re: Dusting Off Old O27 Set

TrainLarry

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GriffM

Re: Dusting Off Old O27 Set

TrainLarry

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