cross current in transformer

Mike23OGR Forum Member

Hi,

I just noticed I'm getting cross current in my transformer, here's the situation. American Flyer 22080 dual control transformer from the 50s. Two dead man throttles, two gauges, separate wiring posts. I'm running two trains. A and B. A has no switches/ nothing. B has 4 switches with it. However I realized when the A train derails, the B train acts funny, slows or jerks whatever. Same if train B train derails. Also, I find a slight drop in power/volts when one throttle speed is increased or stopped. The power drop is like one or two volts.

So, I'm assuming there is something in the transformer that usually keeps them separate but is not now? Can you tell me about it? I'll need to decide to have someone fix it or buy a new (bummer) a new transformer.

Thanks for your help

Mike

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8/5/1911:44 AM

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tncentrrOGR Forum Member

I do not know the AF equipment that well, but I will float a theory. Someone else may correct me, but here goes; Your transformer is not really two separate transformers. It is one large set of primary and secondary coils with two taps traveling over the secondary coil. As you move a given tap over the secondary coil, it either increases or decreases the sending voltage at the binding posts according to how you are moving the tap. If the voltage goes up, the train speeds up and vice versa. When one of the trains derails, this causes a fault on that train's tap. The fault makes the voltage go down and the current go up. Since there is only one secondary coil, the fault will pull it's voltage down and both trains will see that voltage drop. Consequently, the train that is still on the rails will slow down or stop also.

8/5/1912:40 PM

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Mike23OGR Forum Member

I won't mind it if it is..."normal" function. two trains running is new to me so I've never had the problem before this.

8/5/1912:43 PM

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