OhB1 posted:I have a Louis Marx 1209 transformer 50 watts that I want to use to run the accessory rails on my atlas track. I need to identify the common terminal but the transformer is not labeled at the outputs other than "To Track". I'm sure that if that is all I was doing with the transformer I would be fine. Does anyone have any idea which one of the terminals is common?
Thanks,
Paul
All "O" gauge transformers are wired the same with some exceptions, the solution , take a more modern transformer with a breaker switch where the common is marked, then daisy-chain your transformers together. You connect the track terminals on each of the transformers together. For example if you were to use a a Lionel CW-80 - A-REDTRK and U-BLACKTRK which is common, attach to the MARX track terminals then slowly move each of the control-levers to power up the transformers. If the circuit breaker blows on the Lionel CW-80 reverse your wires going to your Marx if it does not then you guessed right, this is called phasing your transformers, I hope this helps. Just a word of caution, if going to be using an old Marx transformer on your layout do not use with/on any modern locomotives because you could blow the digital boards within. Old engines run with modern transformers okay. I hooked up a TPC 400 via a CAB-1 the other day never seen Marx locos run better. Jim
