Transformer Woes

[RobertInOntario]

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.

Thanks, Kevin. I've tried to tidy up my wiring as I realize that if there are a few strands, they can join to the other wire or create an electrical field. Also, my older Triang locos do draw more power (my Hornby Dublo ones from the 1960s draw even more! but I have been running these lately on this layout).

The transformer's serial number is 20509 and its input is 120V, AC 60Hz 125 mA,
Output 19V, AC 0-16V, DC ; total output 7VA. Model number SDK-789.
Here's one for sale on eBay -- <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Athearn-Model-Train-Transformer-Power-Control-SDK-789_W0QQitemZ360381879926QQcmdZViewItemQQssPageNameZRSS:B:SRCH:US:102#ht_704wt_878">http://cgi.ebay.com/Athearn-Model-Train ... _704wt_878</a><!-- m -->
Maybe I should buy an extra one!

I've spent the last two night soldering various pieces of track as that has definitely been part of my problem. They layout is now several years old and some of the unsldered sections of track are acting up. I think the wiring is OK -- it's just that some track sections need fixing.

As to the transformer, it still seems that I have to crank it up near its "maximum" point (around the 80-90 mark) to get the trains to run at a moderate speed, even my almost brand-new locos. However, on the other/older transformer, the same trains will go at a moderate speed with the throttle in the half-way or moderate position (hope this makes sense).

Thanks!

Rob