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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I have the above little number and it works fine except.........
......it will not bring the loco to a full stop on either of the locos I tried (Both operate properly when a differnet transformer is used).

Dial turned all the way to stop yet the loco keeps moving slowly, otherwise it operates normally allowing the loco to speed up or slow down.

I tried to gently remove the dial but it wouldn't budge, and the case it self is held together with 1 way only screw heads.

Any suggestions appreciated

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 

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Discussion Starter · #4 ·

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Add a resistor

I have the above little number and it works fine except.........
......it will not bring the loco to a full stop on either of the locos I tried (Both operate properly when a differnet transformer is used).

Dial turned all the way to stop yet the loco keeps moving slowly, otherwise it operates normally allowing the loco to speed up or slow down.

I tried to gently remove the dial but it wouldn't budge, and the case it self is held together with 1 way only screw heads.

Any suggestions appreciated

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
johnboy;

The problem you're having with that transformer is likely that when set at "zero" there is still some voltage getting out. Adding resistors to either one of the two wires running from the transformer to the track may help. You could start with a 1k (1000 ohm) resistor and add more if that does not stop the locomotive. If you find that the loco won't run at a reasonably normal setting on the speed dial, with the 1000 ohm resistor, you can try a lower value resistor.
Often you can't buy just one resistor. (They are super cheap Radio Shack used to sell two resistors for a quarter. Even at today's prices, they would still be inexpensive.) One source for resistors is www.allelectronics.com
If you hook two 1000 ohm resistors in parallel with each other, you cut the value in half, down to 500 ohms. That might be low enough to let the train run. You may need to try various values of resistors until you find the right one.

good luck, have fun;

Traction Fan :smilie_daumenpos:
 

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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
johnboy;

The problem you're having with that transformer is likely that when set at "zero" there is still some voltage getting out. Adding resistors to either one of the two wires running from the transformer to the track may help. You could start with a 1k (1000 ohm) resistor and add more if that does not stop the locomotive. If you find that the loco won't run at a reasonably normal setting on the speed dial, with the 1000 ohm resistor, you can try a lower value resistor.
Often you can't buy just one resistor. (They are super cheap Radio Shack used to sell two resistors for a quarter. Even at today's prices, they would still be inexpensive.) One source for resistors is www.allelectronics.com
If you hook two 1000 ohm resistors in parallel with each other, you cut the value in half, down to 500 ohms. That might be low enough to let the train run. You may need to try various values of resistors until you find the right one.

good luck, have fun;

Traction Fan :smilie_daumenpos:
Appreciate the info, especially the source of resistors as I used to get anything along that line at Radio Shack.
 

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I had one that did the same thing. It was under warranty so MRC fixed it. Six months later it did the same thing. I tossed it and bought one on eBay for $10 and it’s been good for about five years now.
I think it’s the luck of the draw with those things.
 

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Does the transformer have a braking switch? Use that to completely stop and use a toggle switch. That will stop it. You can always go back and perfect the resistor idea.

Looking for a better transformer is a good idea. The old one can be used to supply accessory power.

It depends on how you value your time.
 

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Radio Shack lives on! Sort of.

Appreciate the info, especially the source of resistors as I used to get anything along that line at Radio Shack.
johnboy;

There are a few Radio Shack boutique-style operations still in business, even though the chain of stores has gone belly-up. I have one inside a general-purpose type hobby shop near me. They sell basic components, including resistors. Perhaps if you are near Philadelphia, Pittsburg, or another large Pennsylvania city, you might be able to either go there, or mail-order from them.

All Electronics is great. They cary everything, are reasonably priced, and deliver promptly. However, if you order a few resistors from them you may have to pay $5-$10 for shipping some fifty cent resistors. They sell many different values, and I agree with Lemonhawk's advice about buying the 10 watt variety to handle the current. I try to combine, in one online order, whatever I need, or even might need, to pay shipping only once.

good luck, have fun;

Traction Fan :smilie_daumenpos:
 

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Radio Shack continued on as "The Source" up here in Canada....

The Source Electronics Inc., doing business as The Source, is a Canadian consumer electronics and cell phone retail chain. The chain goes back over 40 years in Canada, initially as Radio Shack and later as The Source by Circuit City.
 

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Discussion Starter · #15 ·
I tossed it and bought one on eBay for $10 and it’s been good for about five years now.
I think it’s the luck of the draw with those things.
It depends on how you value your time.
Again, thanks for all the replies and info.

It's an older piece that I've had for awhile and just dug it out to possibly sell. Not being very knowledgeable in this area, I was hoping that maybe would be some type of quick fix.

It's not worth much and as I am going to a train meet this morning, I think I will just put it out on the free table for one of my fellow railroaders to fix.

If anyone asks, I will refer them to this site/post for good info.

Regards to all who replied.
 
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