This set also includes an uncoupling track section, which will disconnect cars from one another at the touch of a button, and a bumper, which keeps cars from rolling off the end of the track. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). 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. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. Regardless of your scale, all model railroad switch machines fall into one of two categories, a slow-motion electric motor or a "twin coil" relay. For Lionel power the 45 watts is good for a 4 by 8 as a rule of thumb to compensate poor track you just use more feeders. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. . Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. Steve's rule of thumb for derating is very close to and in the same spirit as the NEC rule that an appliance may not draw more than 80 percent of the current rating of the outlet. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. Getting Started - 3 RAIL TRAINS I have one R transformer from which I run everything - but only 1 train at a time and a few accessories for a layout in a space about 24 by 10 ft. 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. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. $2799. New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! 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. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. Many will still run on the track in your starter set, but because they are scale sized, the bodies of these cars may be slightly wider and longer than those in your set. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. Model train transformer- 6 steps to understanding how they work The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. One rail is positive, the other negative. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. While better starter sets usually include a more robust transformer, as a general rule the power pack supplied with your starter set is just thata start. 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. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. PDF Lionel CW-80 Transformer Owner's Manual - thomconte.com Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. Thanks! These can all have uses for your layout. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct 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? It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. 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. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. Different wiring projects call for different standards. 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. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 (or smaller) sheet of plywood, a 90-watt Lionel 1033 or 1044 is an excellent choice. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. I have a basement that offers an 18" concrete ledge that goes around the entire perimeter of the house that lends itself perfectly to a neat layout. What do I need to do that with? If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. 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. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. Three conductor wire is common for household use. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . 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. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. If you like fixing things, fixing an old transformer is rewarding. Reverse the above if planning to run mostly Lionel and go with the Lionel command system, either the full Legacy system or the upcoming CAB-1L and just add a Track Power Controller and a cable to run most MTH engines in conventional with the Lionel systems. They are reasonably durable and were popular in their day, which means there are still a lot of them floating around so they tend to be inexpensive. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Model Train Scales & Gauges: The Lionel Trains Guide If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. 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. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. Daniel Defense firearms, parts and accessories, http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=9670, http://www.modeltrainforum.com/album.php?u=2334, 14X16 Switching style [url]http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=8241, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkMHvbckuBLo3pJN1FGE1Gg. What size Lionel transformer do I need? (NEW/LIKE NEW), running TMCC And DCS engines with DCS handheld, terrible crash in Greece, multiple fatalities, Its.Public Delivery Track ..NEWSpecial run corner, Improving Appearance of 0-gauge Tubular Track. the amount of track is not what is important here. Power Conversion for Lionel Trains and O-Gauge - KCC Scientific We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. They have everything you need for a basic setup, and the larger ones are capable of running the smaller layouts you see in the train magazines, so they have some room for growth. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? Past,presentand future. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. 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. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. But a 12-gauge solid wire is one strand, while a 12-gauge stranded wire may be made up of more than a dozen much smaller individual strands spun together. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. The Lionel RW also happens to be a great transformer for Marx or American Flyer trains too, when you connect the track leads to the B and U posts instead of the A and U posts youd normally use for most Lionel setups. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? I am assuming that your starter set came with either o27, brown ties, or 031, black ties, track and it runs well as is. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. If the system's train transformer is run in Europe with a step-down transformer alone (converting only voltage from 230V to 115V AC at a 50 Hz), it may not operate as intended. There was a video by Mike Reagan from Lionel about better smoke output from a chopped wave transformer, but the pure sine wave didn't cause any operational issues. 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. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. JavaScript is disabled. [:)]. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! I covered the more common ones, but if you have another vintage Lionel transformer of more than 75 watts and its in good condition, theres no reason not to use it. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC 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. If you want a spur track to store an extra car or two, Lionel makes another expansion set [#12044] that does just that: Note that this set includes one switch which is the track section that makes the track diverge onto two separate routes. American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 (or smaller) sheet of plywood, a 90-watt Lionel 1033 or 1044 is an excellent choice. Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. 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. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. what size lionel transformer do i need. A: According to Lionel's head of customer service, on the underside of their CW80 transformers, starting in late 2009, the vendor applied a sticker that states "QC50" on it. The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . Lionel 1033 90 Watt Multi-control Transformer (102) $9.99 1 bid $16.00 shipping 2d 9h Lionel Type Z 250 Watt Transformer & One 167 Whistle Controllers. This will solve the slowdown problem. Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. Mike to the forum. Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. Will get a Z4000 one day [this summer probably, unless I find a good deal on an older ZW] just to say I have one. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! Handbook of layout wiring | Classic Toy Trains Magazine 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. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. How to open tamper resistant outlets, Xxcopy vs Xcopy: Command line copy utilities, Where to connect the red wire to a light switch, Brains 25 cents: The story behind the meme. This is why my wife loves me so. Price Received. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, so you'll need to consider what you want to do and measure your options accordingly. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. As cheap as the 1033 is, if youre going to buy a transformer, you might as well pay a few dollars more to get a 1033. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I Peter Fenzel 306 subscribers Subscribe 11K views 3 years ago Lionel 1033 Transformer gets cleaned up, a new power cord, a new whistle rectifier. what size lionel transformer do i need - senatlaevproducts.com It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! Just not quite as much. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. LGB FAQs : Power You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. CW80 Transformer. 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. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. Why Sign In? Model train power falls into one of three categories. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. :-). As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Choosing the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains - The Spruce Crafts I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 By creating alternate routes, more complex loops, and storage tracks, your trains will suddenly be even more interesting to watch and they will begin providing you the feeling that they are going somewhere and that you are running a small railroad. If you make a complete loop of 100 feet with good track joints, you'll have something like .1 ohm from the transformer to the farthest point, using the rule of thumb that most track is something like 16 AWG wire (.004 ohms per foot) and that there are two 50 foot tracks feeding the farthest point from two directions. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. All about the Lionel ZW - The Silicon Underground LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon What gauge wire is used for Lionel trains? - Sage-Advices Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. Amazon.com: Lionel O Gauge Transformer He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. 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. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. Anyway if it takes me 100 years to finish this thing one thing is for sure I will not have to worry about powering anything and everything. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. Price Received. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. Transformer sizing for new systems Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. For Lionel power the 45 watts is good for a 4 by 8 as a rule of thumb to compensate poor track you just use more feeders. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. Smaller layouts (a typical 4 foot by 8 foot being a good example) can usually get by with Number16 since the length of the run from the power supply to the track is never more than a few feet. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. Dave, the nice thing about Lionel transformers is you can run them until the bimetallic breaker pops and then you let it cool and you are back in action (after shutting a few things down)! What type is your old transformer? Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? RemembertheVeterans. A rule of thumb from the elders, (I had to go to the mountain top for this one), Add 2 more watts for Spankybird's fun-filled layout! This means that they are not exact 1:48 replicas of the real thing but instead are selectively compressed to negotiate the tight turns of regular Lionel track. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. 7 Best Transformer For Model Railway - LEDS.CC What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Ive talked about why here. 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. While most of the American Flyer products are re-issues using old Gilbert tooling from the 1950s, the O scale equipment is a combination of new designs and reissues. Mint-in-box examples of vintage Lionel trains are still valuable and will continue to appreciate in value over time, because there are so few of them.
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