Question for Allan Miller re:Thomas review

I powered the set with several different transformers, depending on where I was running it.  At home I used an MTH Z1000 transformer (circuit breaker in the wall pack) and a Z4000 (w/circuit breaker).  In my office I operate it with one of the very low-end Lionel transformers from a years-ago starter set (don't even know if it has a circuit breaker).  Thomas performed fine with all three power sources.

I have three of the sets and there is no breaker I can see on any of the included power supplies - on the other hand they seem to respond to a short by not increasing current.  I would not worry about it too much.

There is nothing I can say to that...I'm totally speachless!

Thanks Lee

Although I haven't tested it myself, there must be inbuilt short-circuit protection in the power supply. It wouldn't have received approval otherwise.

Yes, there is something in there.  As I said, it wouldn't feed a short circuit for long.  I'm not sure it has a breaker in the normal sense, though.  I've probably an all electric  unit inside that just switches the whole thing off.  There is no switch to reset- but if you unplug and re-plug mine reset and work again until the next short.

Thanks for the info.  Will be buying this set for the twins even though they are 16months old.  Keep buying them trains (PE and Girls sets) even before they were born.  As they get older I want them to play (hands on) and have fun with these trains.

Again thanks

Lee;

From your description, It contains a polyfuse (often known as a thermal fuse).

I use them in lower power level designs.

If the power is above the design limit (Polyfuses are available in a wide range of current limits) They will open and reduce available power to a trickle until they cool off.

In most cases you must kill the input power for a couple minutes for them to cool to ensure a reset.

Anthony;

These types of resetting fuse can eventually go bad from repeated events of short circuits, if it does, the power will not reset and the  polyfuse must be replaced. However, they are not expensive and I'm sure any certified repair shop can handle the fix quickly.

You are no doubt correct.  That would explain how it works perfectly, and it is cheap - Lionel had to do something to bring the cost down and I doubt they put a full breaker in there - that would cost a bit more.  

As to repair - well yes . . . IF you can take it apart.  I don't think the unit was made to disassemble and repair - again, cost ---just cast/assembly it all as one piece never to be taken apart again, and if it fails - get another!