Large Scale Central

USA Trains: Train Power 10 quit

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

I was running a train last evening when it suddenly stopped. I flipped the reverse switch and it went in reverse at full throttle with no control. I only stopped it by shutting it off. I tried it again and it did the same thing. I went in the garage and got my DVM and now there is no DC or AC power out. The C/B did not pop, the fan is running and the red power on light is illuminated. This unit is only 9 months old.

I am now out of state at my FIL wake/funeral and will be back home Thursday evening.

I bought this from Al Kramer, but it was dropped shipped from USA Trains in MA.

Should I just contact customer service at USA Trains, or go through Al Kramer?

BTW, How is USA Trains warranty service? How long will it take to repair /replace it?

#2

If it’s within a Year just call up USA Trains parts dept and ask for Mike.

He will fix you up. I Havent heard good things about this pack but

if you have receipt should not be a issue in fixing it.

#3

This person didn’t have much luck with there transformer either.

http://www.mylargescale.com/Community/Forums/tabid/56/aff/23/aft/126878/afv/topic/Default.aspx

#4

Nick S. said:

If it’s within a Year just call up USA Trains parts dept and ask for Mike.

He will fix you up. I Havent heard good things about this pack but

if you have receipt should not be a issue in fixing it.

Nick,

Thanks for the advice. I do have the Bill of Sale and will call USA trains and ask for Mike on Friday.

#5

Fix it and sell it… really…

too many problems…

Greg

#6

I got my Train Power 10 back today. Excellent turn around time 7 days. It works OK again. It was all covered under warranty. :wink:

#7

I started the hobby with a USA trains starter set, needless to say I’m battery power now, their power packs suck to say the least!

#8

Mark Dash said:

I started the hobby with a USA trains starter set, needless to say I’m battery power now, their power packs suck to say the least!

Mark,

Why is it ‘needless to say’ that you are battery power now? Track power is fine and affordable for a good number of us. My power pack malfunctioned and USA trains fixed it in less than 7 days and it is working fine again. I have no complaints with them. This Train Power 10 amp power supply doesn’t come in a starter set. It is certainly adequate for my present needs.

#9

I personally know 3 other people that also burnt up the original power pack also (hence i would not personally buy a USA trains power supply regardless of amperage. I then switched to a 10 amp Aristo, then the fun began as the railway aged.

Track power was a hastle for me in the northeastern climate, between shorts from joiners to power packs shorting, fuses shorting, and endless track cleaning it was not worth it anymore.

Depending on where you live and what your run, and how your run, battery is not for everyone nor is track dc or dcc. Everyone has their preference.

Glad they fixed your pack, they didn’t fix mine back in the day.

#10

Yep, climate can make a big difference.

Also, many people that started with brass track found removing the oxidation a chore.

I read forums for years before I made a decision. I learned from all the people who had problems, and designed my track power to overcome those issues.

But even stainless steel track and joiners won’t overcome acid soil or conductive ballast!

Whatever works and makes you happy and lets you enjoy your hobby given your budget, climate, track maintenance skills, etc.

Too bad that a bad product turned you off to one facet of the hobby, but again whatever works is what is important.

Greg