@Junkologist I know this is a very old post but I was running a B33 that my brother picked up from
@txlabman and it died this morning. While looking at the one that I already have it seems someone worked on its transformer and I think some of the windings are gone, though hard to tell really as I was looking at it from the top of the cylinder facade. But I can 100% see the windings are loose at the top of the transformer! Likely why I always thought it ran a bit slow / under powered.
Anyways, yours is slightly different from the one that died on me today. This one has two leads off the top of the transformer, the far left is input AC - then the top right went to the engine. Then at the bottom there were three leads, the left two went to the other input AC and switch. The right went to the engine. Interestingly the middle lead actually was two leads from the transformer twisted together all the way into the winding.
Now I am trying to source a powerful enough transformer that will fit into the cylinder facade and not burn up. I first tried a "doorbell" transformer that have 24v AC. It ran slow, then died too - which I assumed it would. I was surprised it ran at all on the little doorbell transformer! Next up is a AC/AC 24v @2A wall adapter, a 2-pack I ordered off Amazon (brand Jameco Electronics). Before this I ran the engine straight off my Mophorn AC Auto Transformer and it ran like a banshee at 24v AC but it can supply a ton of amps too. This may run for a bit and die too but I am hoping the windings hold up being rated at 2 amps.
Anyways, I came here to the forums to see if anyone replaced a Empire's B-33 transformer and figured I'd reply to your thread... it seemed so lonely ;-)