I was given a large n scale layout with all sorts of wonderfull electronic devices. It was disassembled using a saw and wire cutters. As I attempt to figure out how to bring it back to life there are many questions. There is a Kurtz Kraft TH-6. Elsewhere online it was described as a throttle. There are wires going “out” to power indicator lights and toggles. There are wires going “in” to the board that do not connect to anything.
What kind of power should go into the board? AC or DC and what voltage? What kind of power is less likely to cause damage if I am wrong? I understand that this is antiquated equipment but I am currently just trying get power operational. Thanks
My guess would be 12 volts, DC, e-bay,has some items, on auction,going on now, from Kurtz Kraft, switch machines,signals, box cars, Etc. No power packs though.
Cheers, [D]
Frank
Edit: I thought, just occured,to me, that it may not be N-scale, TT scale, maybe?
I too searched the web and found only a tiny bit of info. Based upon your suggestion and what I found in other parts of this layout (heavy speaker was used for 12v power with the gold line being positive) I applied power and my power light lit up, (of course it was wired directly to the power connections.) No power came out of this board to illuminate the track power indicator. Looking closer I found two pair of wires that left the side of the board. They wires were routed to a cable bundle that had been cut. Since there is a relay on this board I am suspecting that these wires may complete the circuit and pull in the relay. (a schematic would have been nice) I will investigate this board more closely and attempt to reason this out. Thanks for your educated guess
Kurtz-Kraft lasted at LEAST into the late 90’s, there is a reference in a 1997 issue of MR that they were one of the sponsors of a Boy Scout railroad merit badge program. Can’t find any reference to a TH-6 throttle though, and it looks like one of the last time any of their products was reviewed in MR was in the 50’s, and it was their slow-motion semaphore. Doesn’t look like they advertised much in MR, either, at least not from the 60’s on.
If no electronics, figure the layout operates on DC power pack which would have been normal.
The lights most probably AC or DC. I would doubt LED’s but no telling how old the layout is.
Any turnout motors. Twin coil probably, AC or DC. AC is usually preferred though a Circuitron Snapper would be better.
I would figure some block wiring with common rail.
Any cross overs or return loops? Those would usually require a DPDT toggle switch.
No doubt you will have to trace wires and a multimeter would help if the wiring is hidden. Couple photos of what you have might help other see what you are up against. Get a Photo Bucket account to upload photos here.
They may not be making any more product, but maybe the original owner can get you a copy of the instructions. I don’t know how recent this site is, but there is a phone number. Maybe it still works.