While cleaning out the garage I came across a couple boxes of vintage 70s-80s power packs, mostly of the starter train set variety and a few MRC type power packs. They’ve been stored in garages and attics in the Texas heat–100+ temps for many years. I’ve read about people using old power packs for running accessories on their layouts but I assume they would be energy hogs assuming if they still work and I would be concerned about a potential fire hazard.
First thought was to throw them in the trash, then I thought I would ask some experts here. Are they safe to throw away or hazardous waste? Can the metals be recycled? Any clubs might use them? I’m a cheapskate and hate to just throw useful stuff away but I’m also not so hard up that I wouldn’t just buy new equipment when needed. Recommendations appreciated. Thank you.
My local hobby shop sells them as second-hand items. Still many DC users out there… You might want to try selling/giving them to a local hobby shop or show vendor. I also see these things on Ebay if you are into that.
But then what would you do with all the wall-warts you saved from electronic gadgets that you’ve thrown away?
There is always somebody looking for the old MRC packs with the metal case, but for the train set stuff… got any doors that won’t stay open or stacks of papers that keep blowing away?
If the cords are in good condition, the power packs should be useable, either for running trains on DC or for powering accesssories, using either the AC or DC outputs as appropriate.
I recently replaced the cord and plug on this Scintilla power pack, which dates from the '50s…
I use it on the test track in my shop, but also use it in my paint shop, to power steam locomotives when airbrushing the running gear. For the latter use, I use jumper wires directly from the pack to the motor, and it’s also useful when brush painting white sidewalls on steam locos’ drivers.
There are no hazardous materials in power packs, and I’d guess them to be almost 100% recyclable. You may be able to sell them to other modellers or donate them, but if that doesn’t work and you have a scrapyard nearby, they’ll pay for such items at scrap value. I often save-up scrap metal items from helping family and friends with reno work, and was surprised how easy it was to make money just from cleaning-up the job site.
There was a thread a couple months ago about a dead MRC. Randy said the capacitor (I think) can die of old age. My MRC from the mid 80’s still works and I run my turntable with it.
Some years ago I had a couple with metal caes and metal covered transformes so I replaced the power cords with cords from old stand up PC’s. Three wire cords with ground wire. Cut off the connector that plugged into the PC.
In case the power transformer had any electrical leakage the user was protected.
I was an industrial machine mechanic and had electrical safety knowledge.
I remember people being shocked by two wire aluminum cased electric drllls.
At one time two wire drills did not ome with the plug with one pin larger that the other to signify the neutral pin.
Around here (Pennsylvania) it’s an electronic item, thats not aloud to be thrown in the trash at the curb pickup. Are there soldered connections inside? Then you have a lead product, thats a hazardous material here.
And as soon as you get rid of them, someone will ask if you have any old transformers.
If you are afraid of them, do not sell them to others in the hobby. Give them away, ‘‘As is, where is, use at your own risk, products not tested or warrented.’’
I love the old copper metal case MRC units. Hoping to find one of the versions with the lighted meters built into the case in the future for my layout. But I get picky with the condition of the copper metal case. Its hard to beat the hobby grade DC packs back then. Usually a new power cord is the most one might need if the old one is dry rotted. Mike the Aspie
