Tips & Techniques
Reconditioned units can be a shockingly good deal – or an electrical hazard!
Test transformer phase; a starlight delight
THE SOLUTIONS TO CROSS-WIRED TRANSFORMERS ARE RELATIVELY EASY
PAST CLASSIC TOY TRAINS articles have described how to put a layout’s multiple conventional transformers in phase to safely support a common ground and avoid electrical problems: Plug two of them into the same wall outlet, place both throttles at the midpoint, and with a wire briefly test for a hopefully mild (or no) spark between their common terminals.
If a large spark results, reverse the plug of one transformer in the same outlet and retest to confirm a mild or no-spark result. Then repeat the process for any additional transformers.
The spark test works fine with any units that still have their original, nonpolarized plugs (with equal-sized blades) as well as newer models manufactured with polarized plugs (part or all of the neutral blade is wider than the hot blade).
Over time, though, many Lionel ZW, KW, and other old transformers have been “reconditioned” with new rollers or contacts, lubrication, internal rewiring, a new circuit breaker, and a new power cord.
While all cracked or damaged power cords must be replaced for safety, their replacements may end up causing a very dangerous problem of its own. That’s because some repair personnel have (with good intentions) installed new power cords with polarized plugs. If they don’t pay attention to plug polarity, two (or more) “fixed” transformers can end up dangerously out of phase.
The solutions to cross-wired transformers are relatively easy: Go inside the out-of-phase transformer(s) and resolder the power cord(s) after reversing the leads; or leave each out-of-phase cord as it was installed and replace just its plug with a new, non-polarized version; or simply clip or file the wider portion of the neutral prong of the polarized plug until it matches the narrower side, being careful to file the edges smooth and remove every little metal bit created in the process.
Keep in mind that some neutral blades may be wider along their entire length; this will require quite a bit of filing that may pull the plug apart. Installing a nonpolarized plug will be easier and faster.
Since these older transformers earned their original UL ratings without polarized plugs, the latter two options should be as electrically safe as the original cords – and they won’t require disassembly and resoldering. – George Yarusavage
Shoot for the stars
I recently added some neat night-lighting enhancements to my O gauge train layout. I installed a Star Shower unit, which features red and green animated lights that move in patterns across my miniature town, as shown in the photo below.
These units, and others like them, are available at home-improvement centers. They are typically staked in yards around the holidays to project onto houses.
The Star Shower unit can operate with still lights, red, green, or a combination. It also has a motion mode that looks like snow flurries falling onto the buildings.
The dancing lights are further enhanced by the addition of a string of blue Christmas tree lights attached to the ceiling in my basement layout room.
The Star Shower device is installed in the rafters and aimed straight down so no one can look directly into the lighting unit. – Larry Brookhart
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