Was thinking about this to install a muffin fan to extract the heat. Anyone done it?
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I guess you could, but why? They have survived all these years without it. There are no electronics in there, just transformer coils.
Rob
The last two I had rebuilt, they drilled holes in the bottom of the case to help keep it cool. When you load them down heavy they dend to overheat. I only use mine to Power Accessories and they work great!
Fredstrains
I think Rob has got it. Those Post War transformers are not that sensitive to heat. If you have one that is getting to hot it is probably over loaded.
You could have a dirt build-up on the main coil roller contact path. But, you will have to take the transformer case off to see it.
If you are not familiar with this procedure I would pick up a copy of Jim Barrett's vedio covering this project. I'm sure it's still available in the OGR on line store.
If you really wont to do something that is good for your PW-ZW and your modren trains place an 8 amp fuse in line with your load output with a TVS diode accross each terminal pairs. See Dale H's web site for information on how to do this.
Good Luck,
Mario E.
Very familiar with the all workings. Thanks!
No reason to not put a small fan in since they are so cheap, anything you can do to keep a transformer cool is good. Most transformers were never used enough to get warmed up, once you put one on a permanent layout with a load they heat up. Post some pics when you are done.
I use 2 Type Z transformers for powering accessories and building lights and would be interested if you try to do it. Would make a good tutorial with pics and maybe video.
Iffen it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Before the Z-4000 came along we used to run a big show layout using several ZW's. It had six loops, a couple of which ran two trains each, some with lit pax cars.
Those ZW's used to get hot enough to fry eggs on, and we toasted at least 2 or 3 along the way.
I recall we used to unscrew the 4 top screws and lift the upper case up a couple of inches to let more air in.
We modified one by adding a 3" computer fan to the outside of the back case, and drilled a bunch of holes in the front of the case to let air in. That helped quite a bit, but not UL approved of course.
About the time we were really getting serious with all this, the Z-4000 was released, and all our overheating troubles went away.
Rod
