I have weaver 2 rail steam engine. What kind of a transformer should I use.
Ac or Dc?
Thank you.
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DC, AC will do damage
Any model train power pack will get the job done, used one are "a dime a dozen" now adays.
Do you have a description of your engine ? The end flap on the box should have something. I would look at the tender floor to see if there’s a speaker. Just to double check the box is correct for the engine. Weaver 2 rail Steam engines. Even the brass ones were available with TMCC. They are cataloged for straight DC No Sound or for a little more money, AC with Sound.
@Dave_C posted:Do you have a description of your engine ? The end flap on the box should have something. I would look at the tender floor to see if there’s a speaker. Just to double check the box is correct for the engine. Weaver 2 rail Steam engines. Even the brass ones were available with TMCC. They are cataloged for straight DC No Sound or for a little more money, AC with Sound.
Ac and DC don't work
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Does this mean you found both types of transformers? If so, which did you try first? If you tried the AC first on a 2-rail DC engine, you might have fried the motor/electronics to the point they would not have worked when you tried DC. If you tried DC first and it didn't work, then later tried AC, you again might have fried the motor/electronics. Most 2-rail engines were produced with motors/electronics that needed DC current to operate properly.
Finally, there are a number of possibilities as to why an engine will not work when the proper power is applied ranging from broken/disconnected wires to hard-to-find short circuits. If you are new to our hobby, it would be wise to connect with a local person with more experience who might be able to take a look at your equipment and diagnose the problem.
Chuck
Thank you Chuck
It would help to know exactly what model you have. Looking at the tender. There are some blank holes where the TMCC switches would reside. If you have no box or documentation. A posted picture of the engine itself will work.
There should be a tether connecting the engine and tender. Make sure it is properly plugged in. It should be firmly seated and only goes in one way. Does the headlight light up ? If you have no success. You may just have to start right at the motor itself. Remove the boiler shell from the chassis. Start by turning the flywheel with your fingers. It will take some spinning but the wheels should move. Just verifying the gearbox isn’t bound up. No matter if it runs on TMCC AC or straight DC. The motor itself runs on DC in both scenarios. With your DC transformer. Touch your 2 leads to the 2 wires attached to the motor. There’s no right or wrong. It will either run forward or backwards. If that works. You just need to back track till you find the issue.
Thank you Dave.
I will try.
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