A reader writes:
My question has to do with my G scale LGB "circus" train set (
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LGB-70988-Circu ... 1499384968). My father purchased this set over 20 years ago and had set it up every year for as long as I can remember. He passed away in 2008 and my mom and I have still been setting it up around the holidays. This year, I noticed the spring clamps on the transformer for the track power are completely shot. I have to hold the wires at a certain angle to get it to run. The transformer is an original LGB 5003/110, which I have come to find out are completely discontinued. There are a few for sale on ebay (
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LGB-5003-POWER- ... 4d29a49be0) but are described as having a similar problem. The price of them are also quite varied, ranging from $20 up to $200. I have been looking on forums for a possible fix, but none really provided an
answer. Since I know nothing about model trains, I would like to know what my possible options are in terms of fixing vs. replacement. I'm hoping to figure this out by the 25th, as getting this working would mean the world to my mom. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
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Thanks for getting in touch.
The good news is that ANY DC power supply made for garden trains will run your train. Personally, I'd probably jury-rig something to make the LGB unit work, since it's still apparently working except for the connectors. Those seem to fail after a certain point, so you're not alone.
But if you can get a Bachmann or AristoCraft power supply rated for Large Scale (garden trains) that will work as well. Even an HO power supply will work if you can get one with close to one amp output. Make CERTAIN the power supply is DC and that you use the DC side of the power supply (most have an AC side for accessories as well).
The new LGB power supplies will work as well, although they will cost a bit more.
Hope this helps, please let me know if you have any more questions - Paul