Electric Toy Train Transformers
CPSC Recall #77-019 - March 3, 1977
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 77-019 |
| Recall Date | March 3, 1977 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | 435 units |
Product
Electric Toy Train Transformers
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 4) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced the recall of three electric toy train transformers which fail to comply with Federal regulations for electrically-operated toys and are, therefore, banned from sale. The recalled items, all distributed by Reeves International, Pequannock, New Jersey, are "Marklin Mini-Club Transformer Model #6727," "Marklin Transformer - Model #6153," and "Marklin Transformer - Model #6667." Model numbers 6727 and 6153 contain improperly soldered connections and model number 6667 fail the appropriate impact test required by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA). No injuries associated with these toys have been reported to the Commission. All three transformers are constructed of blue plastic; model #6727 has a metal plate reading in part "Warklin Mini-Club" in red letters; model #6153 is labeled in red letters "Marklin;" and model #6667 contains a metal plate reading "Toy Transformer #6667 Marklin." Model numbers 6153 and 6667 are packaged in a blue cardboard box labeled "Warklin -- Caution Electric Toy." Model #6727 is packaged in a brown wood grain cardboard box labeled "Marklin Mini-Club." The toys were distributed nationwide to hobby and toy stores. Model #6727 retailed for $51.95, model #6153 retailed for $53.95, and model #6667 for $39.95. In total, 435 units are being recalled. Electric toys are subject to regulation under the PHSA which requires banned products to be repurchased by the manufacturer, distributor and dealer. Reeves International, in compliance with the PI-ISA regulations, is asking consumers to return the toy to the place of purchase or directly to the distributor -- Reeves International, 14 Industrial Park, Pequannock, New Jersey 07440, telephone 201/694-5006 -- for a full refund. The Commission learned of this product as the result of a nationwide electric toy survey it conducted late last year. The Commission's New York Area Office is monitoring the recall.
Hazard
The trains fail to comply with Federal regulations for electrically-operated toys and are, therefore, banned from sale.
Remedy Instructions
Reeves International, in compliance with the PI-ISA regulations, is asking consumers to return the toy to the place of purchase or directly to the distributor for a full refund.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund) at no cost to you.
No, you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.