I may have misunderstood the test you did, if so I apologize. As described there was two 4 ohm resistors in parallel across a 12v source; that is two ohms with I=E/R yielding 6A. If the resistance loads are accurate then it indicates the breaker in the transformer is tripping prematurely and may be defective. I wonder if the 60 Hz impedance of the audio test loads are actually 4 ohms. If the 4 ohm impedance rating is at a higher frequency then the current draw at 60HZ could be correspondingly higher.
Tom
Two 4-ohm resistors in parallel are 2 ohms. Twelve volts across 2 ohms is only 6 amperes. So I think your circuit breaker might need some attention.
I was responding to your assertion that it wasn’t possible to power 30 turnouts with a KW, by giving an example of how it can be done. Number 53 lamps are an improvement over 1445s (which were used in later 022s, not earlier ones) as far as power consumed and heat generated are concerned. And their screw-base counterpart, number 52, is even better as a replacement for the 1447 or 432.
(I realize now that my numbers should be about 1/12 lower, since the 022C lamps at least would have to be replaced by the number 52, not the 53.)
I revisited my test, the breaker actually trips at 8A after about 10 seconds running at 12V. It does seem to have a small issue, I’ll probably replace it with a 10A automotive type, much cheaper than the obsolete ones that come in those old transformers.