Hi if what you're taking about is Lionell zw or kw transformer highly not recommended as the circuit breakers trip very slowly and you'll burn up the boards! I would recommend z4000 mth transformer or Lionell zwl electronic transformers!
MTH Electric Trains (mthpartsandsales.com)
these ps 1 boards are conventional only!
to trouble shot ps 1 boards power up to 10.00 volts and sounds should come on if not there is a board issue of some kind, also power up slowly and monitor current if current is coming up quick over 2 amps power off immediately and check with your ohm meter for shorts! sometimes your better check for shorts before you power up at all check continuity from ground to center roller you should NOT READ A direct short 0.000 ohms!
The first thing I would do is take the cover off the engine and if it has a white battery 8.4-volt throw it away immediately, put in a new battery!
Alan
