i was testing out an engine i have that was made in the late 30's. once i put power to the track a lot of smoke came out. did i just ruin this engine? or is it fixable still you guys and gals think. btw yes it still has it's orginal wiring.
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Hi,
Can you possibly share a few more details about this locomotive? Knowing the make, model etc. and some more details as to what happened would be very helpful.
Had this engine run before (Recently.)? and was it in good running condition as far as you were aware? When you applied power, were there any sounds or movement before the magic smoke escaped? Do you know where the smoke originated from? Have you looked to see any signs of damage afterwards? Did your transformer indicate any overload? Etc etc. etc. 
it did not show any signs of overload the transformaer. the smoke came from around the field coil. it is a lionel i will go check the number when i go back to my desk. when i bought it, the e_unit drum had crumbled to dust just leaving the copper peices of it. as for sounds there were not any that i noticed. it did try to move but then smoked. the smoke smelled like a resister burning. and i tryed to move the wheels they moved easy. i did not see any damage to anything at all. it is helps it still also has all of it's orinigal wire's yes they are covered in cloth.
About the only thing that kills prewar or postwar engines is rust or corrosion. I have never heard of an old engine burningup from an electrical problem.
Earl
A wire probably shorted out somewhere. I played it safe with my 1946 2020 turbine and replaced all the old wiring.
I'd go through it again and check all the wires, and anything else that might short. As Earl said, it's pretty hard to kill a prewar or postwar engine.
There are a few things you should tell us to get an accurate picture: What type of engine is it? There were a lot made during the 1930's. What type of transformer are you using?
A short in E Unit??? Crumbled drum...Hmmm!!!
Also.... If you replaced the e-unit, have you triple-checked the wiring to the new e-unit?
the e unit has a new drum. and i am planing to replace the old wiring in a few days when i get a bit of time. the engine number off the the side of the shell is 258. i hope that helps. and i think it was just some wiring shorting out also. just wanted to make sure that that is the most likley idea.
traindork
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