Notice to all that own MRC dual power 027 transformers 270W

Wow! That's the modern age. Everything including cars are disposable.

Well, that just means that MRC doesn't want to support it, which I can understand after nearly 20 years. I would bet that many if not most of the components have modern replacements, but you are on your own as far as figuring it out!

OLDTIMER,

   The entry level Transformers are pretty much throw aways now, it's less expensive to purchase a new entry level transformer than pay for the labor cast of doing repairs, even if the parts are available, which depending on the manufacturer may or may not be available anyway.  I always advise all the people just entering our hobby to use at least an old KW type or new Z1000 type Transformer, as the minimal power source for operating any kind of layout.  IMO, In the long run they are farther ahead operating their layouts with a safe reliable Transformer and dumping the entry level transformers ASAP. I get a lot of grief about this from the CW-80 owners, however IMO all these type Transformers, no matter which company makes them, are basically junk and should be upgraded/replaced as soon as the owner can afford to make it happen.

PCRR/Dave

Just because an MRC employee says they're not repairable, that doesn't actually make it a fact.

Guns,

   Even if they are repairable, IMO upgrade/replace them as soon as you can afford too.

PCRR/Dave

There are plenty of usable parts in these. They make great fixed voltage power supplies if/when the track throttle circuitry gives up.

Hardly a starter set transformer: MRC AH101B

Good luck in getting your repair done.

Techy said "that why we put the idiot screws in the case" .  Guy was a real DB.  All said n done its too dang bad I can't even find  replaceable breakers for it.  Got nothing to lose by  removing old breakers n re-solder wires.  Put 2 10A  thermal breakers on the  outputs of the 16V variables.  Only got $50 in it.  14V accessory post only puts out 12.8V.  Glad I never paid $229 retail for one!  Wouldnt even make a good boat anchor!

Bob

Had one of these once.  Really only good for conventional running.  Not on the MTH approved list of transformers.

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

OLDTIMER,

   The entry level Transformers are pretty much throw aways now, it's less expensive to purchase a new entry level transformer than pay for the labor cast of doing repairs, even if the parts are available, which depending on the manufacturer may or may not be available anyway.  I always advise all the people just entering our hobby to use at least an old KW type or new Z1000 type Transformer, as the minimal power source for operating any kind of layout.  IMO, In the long run they are farther ahead operating their layouts with a safe reliable Transformer and dumping the entry level transformers ASAP. I get a lot of grief about this from the CW-80 owners, however IMO all these type Transformers, no matter which company makes them, are basically junk and should be upgraded/replaced as soon as the owner can afford to make it happen.

PCRR/Dave

I use some of the smaller Lionel transformers for lighting the bulbs in my Plasticville houses. Unless the transformer is extremely bad I try to use it for something on my layout.

Lee Fritz

Thats pretty dang sad tho.  A 70 yr old ZW be brought back to better than new.  These things after only 20 yrs are throw-aways.  MRC dont even wanna talk to you.  Arrogant DB copped an attitude.  Young punk!

Bob

C W Burfle posted:

Hardly a starter set transformer: MRC AH101B

Good luck in getting your repair done.

While it may not have been a starter set in its time, IMHO, its time passed several decades ago.

This is the replacement MRC Dual that came out, guessing 20 (?) years ago:

Excellent transformer for the money. 

And, Bob, when is the last time that you saw a consumer electronic that did not have "idiot" screws?  Manufacturers don't want the potential liability issues of folks not knowing what they are doing (not you personally) messing about with the item and causing electrocution or a fire.

Personally, I don't expect any manufacturer to stock parts for items that they stopped making 20 years ago. 

Jim

You know, I can still by new parts for my '47 and '48 model John Deere tractors new at the dealer.  That is a company that supports its products, and, by golly, I expect everyone else to do the same.  They don't, of course, but they should.

Thats pretty dang sad tho.  A 70 yr old ZW be brought back to better than new.  These things after only 20 yrs are throw-aways.  MRC dont even wanna talk to you.  Arrogant DB copped an attitude.  Young punk!

LOL, what is the parts availability for any of today's train companies?