Lionel 1033 transformer cuts out

The circuit breaker has reached the end of its useful life.  It will need to be replaced.

Thanks for the reply Rob.

According to this ...

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=640

It would seem to be part# 1033-87 Circuit breaker

Where can you get these parts?

Truthfully, I'd visit your local auto parts store and use one of those plug-in ones in place of it.  A lot more reliable circuit protection.

5 or 6 amp I guess ...

Is there a tip to get those handles off?

I'd use a 5A, and the handles just pull straight up.

Thanks guys ... Merry Christmas.

I took it apart and put a jumper to bypass the circuit breaker and it keeps running without cutting out. I took the jumper off and turned the screw on the breaker one turn clockwise and it runs without tripping. I put it back together and it seems to be OK. After the holidays I will put a 5 amp fuse on on of the power leads going to the track ... I guess the U post.  

FYI, just turning the screw could have easily simply totally disabled the circuit breaker, as there's not a huge range of adjustment there.  You really need to make sure it's not simply out of the circuit for safety's sake.

Understood ... if I add a fuse on the U post would this do about the same thing?

Why don't you just buy another one. They are cheap.

Why don't you buy an ammeter and do it the scientific (that is, safe) way and measure the load that you are presenting to the transformer, measure at what point your current draw opens the breaker, and then before you mess with it, see if the breaker is (was) operating within its design limits?  It's quite possible that you are over-taxing the transformer and need a bigger one.

Electricity is a simple science. Even hobbyists with little experience but who are eager to learn can understand its concepts and measure its parameters if guided correctly.  I urge you to buy a meter and learn how your equipment is supposed to work.

Can't find mine at the moment, must be at the cottage.

Since I have two and the other never trips running the same trains on the same tracks. Adding a fuse to the U post should be better than before ... am I right?

A fuse on the track connection, and if you use any of the accessory connections, you need a fuse there as well.

You can properly set the circuit breaker (assuming it's not defective) by using a known value load and a voltmeter.   If you have a clamp-on ammeter, it's easy, just put a large load on the transformer and dial it up to 6 amps.  Adjust the breaker so it just trips at that load.

I may get around to doing this but the fuse is the way to go for now.

I don't use these for accessories, only for trains.

I actually have a figure 8 and a larger O36" oval on the bottom and a O31 oval on the top level. I was going to use a PowerMax 40w transformer that I got in  scout set to power the fig 8 but I am having 2nd thoughts about using it for this. Right now it's hooked up to a 027 oval in the xmas village and it sometimes cuts out pulling two lighted passenger cars.  

I have been looking into either an Atlas O 80w or a MTH Z-1000 as the 3rd transformer for my layout. The 1033's don't have bell buttons so it would be nice to have the option to make the bell sound on at least one of the 3 tracks.

I have all conventional engines but recently purchased a Polar Express tender with TrainSounds. So far I have only used it on the xmas oval with the PowerMax ... would I have any issues running my conventional locos or my Polar Express tender using a Z-1000 ?

BTW, I do not own any MTH locos ... only Lionel and may buy some Williams ones's soon.  

Here is the circuit breaker I use when I rebuild a 1033 transformer....

It is made by Cooper-Bussmann and is part # UCB-6. It is a 6 amp breaker. You can find these at any auto parts store or on the bay!

I take my Dremel and cut out the old breaker, hot glue the new breaker on the bottom plate of the transformer and rewire it back into the circuit. Make sure you clean out the transformer after you cut it out to make sure no little slivers get into any thing inside!

The new breakers sure trip a lot faster then the old old ones but that may be due to age!

When my 1033 acted similarly I took it to an authorized Lionel repairman.  He adjusted the circuit breaker, and 30 years later it still functions perfectly in daily use.

I have been playing with the adjustment screw and I might just have dialed it in using the Lionel BUD set. I just kept increasing slightly until it stopped cutting out.

Also, I decided to order the Atlas O 80 watt transformer since the Lionel PowerMax is proving not to have enough juice. I was on the fence between the MTH Z-1000 and this one but I do not like to look of the MTH unit that much. The Atlas also has that adjustable output on the accessory port which could came in handy for powering a test bench or a small section of track.