So, today I was at work on my helix and I’d left a transformer on the other end of the layout at full throttle. Unbeknownst to me, a hopper had been derailed. I learned this when I saw the smoke pouring out of my 1033. Sooo…
I don’t think that the transformer is ruined–just VERY hot–and it was a good reminder that I oughta use circuit breakers even with a temporary wiring setup. There was, fortunately, no fire.
I still feel like an idiot.
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Thank goodness.
A timely reminder to check over things on a regular basis, even if you think it isn’t necessary.
David
That it is!
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it can happen to anyone. bro i had to go check on my husband in the other room and forgot to throttle down the train i was backing into a siding by the time i got back 4 cars of wax was wasted because it went into the wrong siding
but even if it went into the right siding it still woulda drailed the emepty cars on that siding. i had to spend time fixing my mistake witch slowed down production on the candles it was a mess but still mistakes happen you live and you learn
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Umm, some might admit it, some won’t, but I think we’ve ALL been there at one time or another! 
Not the end of the world, just learn from it and move on.
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It looks like the 1033 is just fine as it turned out, so yeah.
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My 0-8-0 has a cracked pilot beam because I wasn’t fast enough when my nephew grabbed the throttle and sent her flying off the end of the table 
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Yup, I’ve had my share of brain farts too. One time when I was working with my trains, I was reaching across the tracks and accidentally laid my arm across the rails. I quickly learned the hard way that it is quite possible to short the tracks with your skin. I didn’t feel the shock too much because the rails QUICKLY heated and almost burned me! 
Me to grandchildren. “Be very careful of the scenery. We do not want to break anything do we?”
“No Papa,” came their replies.
No guesses as to who broke some fencing. 
David
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I’ve got a Lionel 249 that looks like it may have been through something similar; the fireman’s side class light and the bumper of the “Range Patrol” truck are both damaged.
A number of my cars also have gone flying off of my WIP helix, but no damage seems to have resulted.
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It happens to everyone. About 6 months ago, I was testing a locomotive in the workshop. It wasn’t responding to the throttle so I cranked up the juice. . and then I smelled something burning! I accidentally fried the alligator clip wire!
Shut everything down quickly. No harm done (well, except to that wire). 
!
I’ve never really fried wires before…
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I have, YEARS ago. The stink of melting insulation really stays with you, I can smell it even now! 
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Distinctive, to be sure. And good that it is so: that smell is an early alert.
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I have experienced that awful reek, however, thanks to my poor soldering skills…
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What engine is that? 
“Today I was an Idiot”
For me, it’s not just ‘today’, but usually everyday.
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I have to agree!
It’s just that I was a really idiotic idiot at that particular point!
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Nice. That is a good looking loco. Thank you.
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