151 semaphore

I run mine from a couple of lengths of insulated rail; way more dependable.

Not a 153 or Digital control problem. Double check your wiring, track work, and 153 contactor.

https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/30as16801i.pdf

Of course, an insulated rail setup can offer a more functional and reliable solution.

No matter how it's connected if it trips when a loco is running it shorts out in about 6 seconds.  Is the solonoid supposed to continuously buzz when activated?  When I connected it to a separate small transformer alone it worked fine with the train.

The 153 doesn't have a solenoid? I think we need details or pictures of your setup including transformer, locomotive, and wiring specifics...

Edit: The 151 has a solenoid that will make some noise.

As I said, it buzzes when activated.  Is that normal?  My wiring is fine.  This was an old 072 collection I acquired which is why I can use my big MTH locomotives.  The switches required a lot of cleaning and "surgery" but they all work, along with a signal bridge.  I do have a new model Lionel CP signal which works fine with the enclosed 153 (by "fine" I mean it's like a lot of others described on this website. It starts out green, but once triggered to red and back to yellow it stays yellow).  The old semaphore, no matter if wired with the 153 or insulated rail, will short the power unit down after a few seconds if activated by the locomotive.  If the loco isn't on, the semaphore will activate without shorting, or if it is wired to a separate power source it works OK with the loco.  I'm wondering if some internal problem is jiggling the current enough to trip the breaker.  No big deal.  Don't need it but still a mystery.

You didn't state what transformer you are using, The coil in the semaphore draws about 10 watts plus 3 watts for the steadily burning bulb, and if your transformer is working near the edge, that extra current may be enough to trip the circuit breaker. The signal does have some buzz to it because it is a AC coil and that is normal.

Okay thanks.  That's it.  I have two layouts.  One is my old Gargaves layout I donated and built for a nearby museum (pictures at strasburgmuseum.org).  Only open 6 months a year so my 072 layout at home provides some off season fun.  The big layout is powered by a 100 watt MTH brick and DCS.  Accessories and switches are wired to a KW and MRC dual power for various voltages.  So the brick only powers the DCS.  Obviously this pre war stuff with the old lights takes a lot of juice with the locomotives (only one at a time).  So I just brought the brick home for this.  I didn't know the 151 took that much power.  I hooked it up to an old tiny transformer that isn't used for anything else and it works fine with that.

Thanks for the help.  I think I suspected that but now confirmed.  My home layout is actually on my workshop floor, the only available space, winding around power tools and shelves.  No scenery but who cares.  It's only for fun.  So I have my upgraded original layout inside a baggage car, and my "Bantam Book" layout at home!