thanks for all the replies guys,
its a little worrying thats its happened a few other times also.
yikes !!!!!!
i am only running a mini system so its def not a case of overload at
my end.
maybe they had a batch of bad transformers.

tim,
i checked out my fuses and they were all ok, not bypassed or
anything like that. bizarely the outer part of the transormer where
the plug actually goes in is still in perfect condition, its the
inside thats fried and still stinking away even with it switched
off. it was correctly set for 240V aswell

did you get my email re the internal cv on my vcos. got it fixed
after your guidance no probs so thanks.

i see from the doepfer site that you can buy replacement back panels
with the mounting for the power supply so maybe i will have to get
one of these. hope they are not too expensive.
does anyone know how to email deiter to ask him about this problem
and see if he has any recomendations etc. surely it should be able
to remain on for more than 4 hours at a time.

any help still appreciated.
neil