Skip to main content

I ran two different Williams engines on two different tracks - a Berkshire steam engine and an F-3 Sante Fe diesel - utilizing Rail King Z-1000 transformers. After a couple of years use, the Berkshire stop working. The F-3 which I had for a month or so ran very hot after 10-15 minutes - so hot the bottom was just about untouchable. I was told that the Williams engines are AM and the Rail King transforms are FM. Thus a burn out or poor performance will occur to the engines should I continue using those transformers. BTW - I was told to utilize Lionel post-war transformers with these engines. Anyone else have this or a similar issue?

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

I'm inclined to doubt that the problems are transformer related.  These are standard AC locos and the MTH transformers are pretty much standard modern transformers.  Not sure what AM and FM means to your expert commentator, except as metaphor.  It's true that postwar Lionel transformers did not use pulse power, and the new ones from MTH and Lionel do, but  this factor shouldn't lead to overheating or failure in most uses.

FWIW, I find that some of the motors that are in Williams stuff seem to run a bit hotter than Lionel or MTH.  Not absurdly hot, but they seem to draw more current with no load at a specific voltage than the other brands.  Most of the motors that I'm seeing with this characteristic have no model nomenclature, so I have no idea what brand or model they are.  The ones I am comparing them to are usually Mabuchi motors.

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×