Sunk the U-boat

This won't help in this instance, but should for in the future - add 7A fast blow fuses inline  to your layout.  They cost about $0.25 each, but can save $100's in preventing damage to modern motive power like your u-boat.  Nothing blows as fast.  Resettable fuses are touted to be fast, but I haven't found any as fast as the once and done type.  Each block and siding on my layout has a fuse.  Sure, friends have joked when I've had to replace a fuse once in awhile from a derailment or switch set incorrectly, but I have yet to fry any of their fancy dan engines (or mine).  I have found 7A work best for S gauge, 15A for O gauge, and 3A for protecting my On30/Sn42 trains.  I also have a spike and surge protector from Scott's Odds and Ends between my TPC units and the fast blows.  That will throw itself down should something running/rolling on a loop cause sparking and consequently spikes in voltage (sometimes 10-30X nominal) which can also wreak havoc on unsuspecting (unprotected) electronics.

Not being an electrical genius, what wattage should the 7A fuses be? Are they installed inline on both the variable and common terminal wires from the transformer, or just a particular one?

thanks, Rich

Sgaugian,

Sound advice about the fuses. By using DPDT switches, I also run DC for my original AF DC motored engines, and some conversions; the dual DC transformer has a 5A fuse for each circuit, which is more than adequate for anything I run. I'll get some in-line fuse holders for the AC side.

To answer richabr's question, an automotive type fuse, either the old glass type, or the new plug-in type on the variable leg will do it.

But to get back on topic, does anyone have suggestions about my U-boat problem, other than send it to the Big L? 

My fuses are inline with the variable voltage leads - Radio Shack 7A 250V fuses, see attached photo.  Each block and siding has its own fuse.  Loop 3 has no blocks, but is wired for selectable DCC or AC, so there are two fuses for that loop. Here's a link to the surge suppressor http://www.scottsodds-n-ends.c...-surge_arrestors.htm   It's the latest model.  I have had mine for years so it's the earlier DTK-4Z model.  Still a good product. Practice safe S - it can save you time and money.  

Well, looking at the parts breakdown, there's any one of 4 circuit boards that could've been fried: motherboard(29), radio reciever(38), Railsounds reciever(39) or the Railsounds board(40).

http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/ReplacementParts/index.cfm?startRow=26&DOACTION=productPartFilter&PRODUCTID=1AD9713F-5E9F-420D-AB4C57DEB4D20BB3

I'm afraid you're going to have to send your U33C in to get it fixed.

Rusty

Fuses are not rated in wattage, the 7A rating is the current rating.  They're only installed in the hot lead as a rule.

sorry , I mispoke and meant voltage. The 6-01-2893-000 power adapter cable for the Lionel powermaster comes with an inline 8A 250V inline fuse. The cord is between the transformer and the powermaster.

Rich

It's a shame that this new technology is,apparently, so sensitive.

It seems such are the perils of "new and improved".....

Mark in Oregon

Rusty,

Thanks for the info on the boards, I figured the end result would be a trip to the Big L. I thought about trying to determine which board, and do it myself, but common sense prevailed. By the way, my U-boat has a flat can motor in the fuel tank with drive shafts to each truck; the picture in the link has a vertical motor for each truck, did they change after the first production run?

I now have a 5A fast blow fuse in each of my power feeds, which appears to be more than adequate for anything I've run. I should have titled this post "Why you need fuses your power feeds"

Thanks to all.

Arrrgh!  That was the O Gauge U33C.  I copied the wrong page.  Sorry about that...  Here's the Flyer page:

http://www.lionel.com/Customer...30-AB8F-8C36F1BA68AF

Motor Control board(5), Powered motherboard(32), Railsounds 5.5(34), Radio receiver(35).

Seeing that 3 of the 4 boards are "contact Lionel to order," (and about $230.00 for all four, a lot of dough to take pot-shots with) sending the U-boat in would be your best bet.

Rusty