Trainmaster

[Vince Santos]

Found this in an attic today. It appeared to be wired to something under the insulation. My thought was perhaps it was used to hardwire the smoke detectors. I know if was live because it was buzzing.

Home built in the 60's. What do you think this is being used for?

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

As the name staes (Lionel) Trainmaster, I'm sure you know what the transformer was originally intended for. Todays use???

[iniquette]

Exactly Jeff. It is a control for a train set from another era. Why it woud be plugged in and buzzing, beyond me, homeowner fix for something?

[Bob Elliott]

You can laugh , but with the low voltage I see the knob set at it may be powering the doorbell.

[James F. McKee]

still dangerous for that application in my opinion ....i watched mine go up in a puff of smoke as a kid....

[dbolduc]

I've seen them burn up too, years ago. Bad deal there, IMHO.

[mamills]

I would bet Robert is right on the money. Kind of a shame, though...a vintage item hidden in the attic. It certainly would not be rated for continuous duty like that, though - not to mention being in a high-heat area. I also wonder where the primary (HV) side is connected.

I used to have a controller similar to that many moons ago when I was a kid.

Mike