Hi, All; I recently tore down my old layout and am in the process of rebuilding bigger.
Once I put some track in place, I of course had to test-run something. I grabbed one of my "old faithful" K-Line Power Chief transformers (the 120 watt yellow/black ones they used to include in sets) and let 'er rip.
All was fine for awhile, then I had to make some adjustments. In doing so, I moved a building such that when I started the trains back up, it hit the building and derailed. The red light on the transformer was blinking, so I walked over and cranked the throttle to zero. Hmmmm.....still blinking. A little smoke began to appear from the train, so I turned off the switch on the transformer.
Fortunately, the engine was an early Williams FM with a mechanical E-unit, so no damage was done to it.
However, now as soon as I flip the switch on the transformer, the full 20V is applied to the rails, regardless of throttle setting. Even full off.
I was ignorantly assuming that since this is a relatively (in Lionel time) new transformer that it would have had some better circuit protection.
Is there any common component on the circuit board that can be replaced that is usually the culprit? I'm comfortable with soldering circuit boards, so am willing to dive in. I have NOT tested to see if the variable accessory voltage is affected.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated. I'm not dead in the water since I normally use TMCC powerhouses and associated masters & base unit, but I like using the K-Line for the gang car, lights, accessories, etc.
