what size lionel transformer do i need

Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. As the train goes by, the door to the shed opens and a figure pops out, and once the train has passed the figure re-enters the building and the door shuts. If you're looking to only have one loop with multiple sidings then you'll only need 1 source of power for the whole layout. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. LGB FAQs : Power Lionel Ready-to-Play is a large sized train that's made to be affordable and easy-to-use for both kids and adults alike. Theres nothing inherently wrong with them, though I would shy away from the smaller transformers that are less than 75 watts, including the modern CW-40. I have a basement that offers an 18" concrete ledge that goes around theentire perimeter of the house that lends itself perfectly to a neat layout. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. Transformer Calculator KVA Calculator Full Load Amps Calculator Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. And that means theyre affordable. The KW has constant voltage outputs for accessories, the ZW don't have that feature just four handles for supplying power to four tracks or accessories if you like, both have whistle & direction feature. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! At an average 14 volts - this is 9x14 = 126 watts - the ZW is getting quite warm and I have not run an accessory or another train yet! I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. What do I need to do that with? Likewise, if you only want to run one train at a time, you can keep other trains on the track by wiring with blocks, and turning off trains that are not in use. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. It would be advantageous if OGR magazine would put an article together comparing the major manufacturers transformers output waveform compatibility/ incompatibilitywith the various manufacturer's locomotives - Atlas O, Weaver, 3rd Rail, MTH , Lionel etc and conventional , DCS , TMCC, Legacy command control. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. Model train transformer- 6 steps to understanding how they work I have had the same problem. Price Received. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. What gauge wire is used for Lionel trains? - Sage-Advices For instance, a 100 kilovolt-ampere transformer with 8.32 kilovolts (or less) on the high side has a typical value of 2.6% impedance. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. We're sorry. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. The multi-conductor wire is also available. How to Properly Size a Transformer | Behler-Young The Best Technical and Innovative Podcasts you should Listen, Essay Writing Service: The Best Solution for Busy Students, 6 The Best Alternatives for WhatsApp for Android, The Best Solar Street Light Manufacturers Across the World, Ultimate packing list while travelling with your dog. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). Just not quite as much. If your track joints aren't near perfect or if you should want to split that loop into two blocks, you'll double the voltage drop. On the flip side, the new transformers do not seem to work as well with the prewar whistle tenders.Has anyone else noticed this anomaly? To participate you must either login or register for an account. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct Past,presentand future. Its a good transformer. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. Actually it was a train show with varied trains of all different eras being run I have mostly MTH trains though and they wouldn't run because the transformer that was running wasn't powerful enough to cycle through my MTH trainsounds. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. Both are lighted. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 The CW-80 is a nice little transformer, has accessory output as well,but as you have stated you will outgrow the CW-80 pretty quick. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. However, in the future if you continue in the hobby and your roster expands you may acquire motive power which requires larger curves than what came with your set. [:)]. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! If youre comfortable doing some work yourself, you can buy a fixer-upper, and my informational links will tell you more about fixing one yourself. Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. However, if you begin to add lighted cars, or more than a couple accessories, you may find that your train will not run as fast, or that it will shut off entirely. Starter set locomotives can pull up to 12 cars easily, and most can handle up to 20, so building a longer train will not harm your engine. So far, I haven't seen any way to do this except to take amp measurements or just wing it and see how hot your transformer gets. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. To participate you must either login or register for an account. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. The smaller of the two is #12028, which turns your oval into this: There is also the larger 12031 plan, which has a couple extra straight track pieces included, creating this: Even better, one or more of the expansion sets can be combined to create even more interesting track layouts. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. Also, you must have a built-in circuit breaker to prevent a short circuit from causing permanent damage to the power supply or the trains. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). For many first-time train buyers, once the initial excitement of setting up the train and watching it run has passed, the desire to make it do more usually begins. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". If they do, follow their recommendations. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. To determine the required transformer VA, multiply the secondary voltage by the required amperes: For example, VA=Volts x Amperes or 28V x 1.2 amperes = 33.6 VA. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. This is different from the stranded wire in that the different individual wires, each with their color-coded insulation, is placed inside a secondary insulation wrap. Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? Choosing the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains - The Spruce Crafts If you plan to just run MTH go with their DCS system if you plan to have a number of different engines or the MTH DCS Remote Commander which is limited to running only one engine at a time. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! --I need a station for the train to stop at. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! First, a few general notes about choosing wire. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. Amazon.com: Lionel Transformer Atlas and Bachmann have the same transformers with 80 watt outputs as well that get good reviews and would be appropriate for a smaller layout. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Serious or fatal injuries may result. I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. At fifteen volts which is about as much as I can put to it without jumping the track, it pulls an average of 2.5 amps, or 37.5 watts--less than one tenth of the transformer capacity of 400. The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. At fifteen volts which is about as much as I can put to it without jumping the track, it pulls an average of 2.5 amps, or 37.5 watts--less than one tenth of the transformer capacity of 400. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. Join Today! If you want to connect ten landscape lights to a magnetic transformer, and the lights use 30 watts each, you would need a 375 watt transformer. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. In most cases, because we are dealing with relatively low voltage and amperage and in a normally stable temperature and humidity climates, our wiring does not require any extra insulation. You can also run Lionel TMCC/Legacy Command Engines using the MTH DCS system with the addition of a Lionel command base and an additional cable. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . Well Mike what I am about to suggest may be a little pricy or at least it was for me but I have managed to buy a new Lionel ZW. But it is important to take a close look at the cars to make sure that they are a good match for your set. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. One rail is positive, the other negative. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". But after a little while, you will likely want your train to do more, and youll start thinking along these lines: --It sure would be neat if it did more than run in a circle. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. In some cases. I suggest that you proactively lay an 10-2 AWG NM cable (or at least 12-2) along the track and tap into it as needed to keep the voltage up. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 sheet of plywood, a 90 watt Lionel 1033 or 1042 is an excellent choice. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. (10 lights X . Sign-up for email today! These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Transformer Sizing Calculator Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. For a transformer less or equal to 500 kilovolt-amperes, a typical %Z impedance may vary between 2.3% and 5.2% based on the voltage level. Effort. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. I've read that it is good practice to add feeders every 10 sections of track or sothat seems like a lot but I suppose that beats having "dead" spots in the track. Lionel Fastrack Track System O Scale Trains | Lionel Fastrack for Sale 7 Best Transformer For Model Railway - LEDS.CC converting a 2-rail freight car to 2-rail with Atlas trucks, My Triple Level Layout -FREEBIE UPDATE- 3/2/23, Successful Open House Upstate (NY) Model Railroaders, FS: Lionel MPC and modern traditional size rolling stock. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. CW80 Transformer. If you like, tell us more about yourself. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. My layout I am building is 5 sheets of 4x8 plywood and it will probaly take me 100 years to build it (I hope I have that much time left). I will make a note here. The fraction of your transformer's power lost in the track will therefore be well under 10 percent, since it is proportional to the voltage drop. They are fun to have. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. Are you running command or conventional? ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. If youre going to run more than one train, you can pair up two smaller transformers, or you can look at the two-handled transformers. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. M3103. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. Ill try to find a link to it for you. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. If the voltage drop in the track is more than a small fraction of the transformer voltage, that is, a volt or two, you are going to have trouble running the trains anyway. 10 Easy Ways to Improve a Christmas Train Display, Compatibility of Different Model Train Brands, How to Build and Wire Reverse Loops for Model Trains, Wiring a Model Railroad for Block Operation, Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts, Model Train Track Grades and Maximum Grade Issues. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). While those locomotives and their sound systems are designed to operate using conventional transformers like your ZW, digital controllers are needed to activate additional features like special sound effects and coupler activation. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. Never had a problem. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. However, if you begin adding more than 1 or 2 cars, be sure to get some extra track, or your longer train will be chasing its tail very quickly. Part of the Lionel line since the 1930s, the gateman today is offered not only with a regular railroad-type figure, but also in versions with Santa Claus and a nutcracker figure for the Christmas season. Expanding Your Lionel Starter Set - Trainz Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. So, if you want to connect eight landscape lights to an electronic transformer, and the lights use 20 watts each, you would need a 160 watt transformer. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. I really doubt you will need more than that. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer.

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