Transformer Woes

[nachoman]

Can you post the model number of the Athearn power pack you are using (or at least the amperage rating) and the type of turnout control? Power packs, or transformers, should not burn out that easily. Almost all have some kind of overload protection for safety. On a simple transistorized pack, the inside electronics should not be so sensitive that they can't take a little abuse. Of course, if you shorted it out or overloaded it on a regular basis, or your home experiences frequent voltage spikes - the electronics are more likely to fail.

I'd check a few things before buying a new power pack:

1) It could be your layout wiring, or the wire connections to the pack. Make sure there isn't the tiniest strand of wire that has come loose and is bridging the terminals.
2) As previously mentioned, it could be that your pack is not rated high enough for the locos you are using. Older locos can draw as much as 3/4 of an amp. Newer locos may only draw 0.1-0.25 amps.
3) while you are experiencing problems, tap or flip the on/off, direction, or any other control switches. From my experience, an intermittent power pack is likely to be caused by a switch that is wearing out.