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. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. 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. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Handbook of layout wiring | Classic Toy Trains Magazine Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Mark. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. If you like, tell us more about yourself. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. 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. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. 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. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. A Veteran, whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life.". They run on three rail track. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. Our transformer sizing calculator allows you to obtain the minimum single or three-phase transformer size required based on the load you need to power. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. editors report that most of the wiring issues they address involve basic principles of electricity - the stuff that Ben Franklin played with when he flew his kite. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. Never had a problem. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. 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. How to Properly Size a Transformer | Behler-Young Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. 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. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? the amount of track is not what is important here. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. (10 lights X . They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. Safety first. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. If you add a lot of track and find that your train slows down as it gets farther from your transformer, you will need to run jumper wires to the opposite side of your track layout. Are you running command or conventional? This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. 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. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. Which Lionel transformer do I need? - The Silicon Underground Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. 40-200 20 Watt DC Transformer - Small DC transformer suitable for powering a single HO diesel or steam locomotive equipped with Proto-Sound 3.0. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. 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. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . I recently read an article/product review in the OGR magazine for the new Lioneltransformerand wassurprisedto learn that not all voltage outputwave-formsare created equal (pure sine wave versus some type of clipped sine wave). In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". JavaScript is disabled. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. White and black are common selections. I've got around 320 ft of track between all of the mainline, sidings, etc and I don't have any problems running my engines anywhere on the layout. In some cases. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. 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. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. One rail is positive, the other negative. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Its a good transformer. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. They are fun to have. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. 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. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. The only time you might not get your full moneys worth is during operation of locomotives equipped with Lionels TMCC or MTHs DCS command-control systems. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! Model Train Track & Transformer at Lionel Trains Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. Effort. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? Effort. Model Train Scales & Gauges: The Lionel Trains Guide I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. Today Lionel includes the same basic track oval in all starter sets8 36-inch diameter curve sections, 3 10 straight track sections, and 1 10 straight terminal section, which create this layout: Until recently, to add to this layout, you would need to buy separate straight, curved, and other track sections and wing it in creating a larger setup. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! 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. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. This is interesting stuff. A while back, approximately 2 weeks ago while running two very lengthy loops of fast track an old transformer nearly fried (50 years old) one of my wires that I was running to my Fastrac. What gauge wire is used for Lionel trains? - Sage-Advices Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. What lionel transformer do i need - Go Quick Qna Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. RemembertheVeterans. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. (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. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. Price Received. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. 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. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon I run an MTH 4-6-2 PS-1 pulling five Madisons on about fifty feet of track and the transformer I am using (Z-4000) has a digital amp readout. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. Different wiring projects call for different standards. 10 Easy Ways to Improve a Christmas Train Display, Wiring a Model Railroad for Block Operation, How to Build and Wire Reverse Loops for Model Trains, How to Choose the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains, Compatibility of Different Model Train Brands, HO Scale Track Plans for Model Train Layouts, buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. As an example, look at these two cars closely: While both are gondola cars and run on O Gauge track, note how the car on the left is much longer than the one on the right. Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. Expanding Your Lionel Starter Set - Trainz 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. Our community is FREE to join. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. Ive written more about the Lionel ZW here. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. If you like fixing things, fixing an old transformer is rewarding. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. Some people even find it fun. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! How to correctly size a transformer | Consulting - Specifying Engineer Ive talked more about the KW here. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. We're sorry. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. 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. This is why my wife loves me so. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! Just not quite as much. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. Kind Regards Steve, QUOTE: by Dave Has anyone here ever blown a transformer from hauling a double-headed Allegheny coal drag up a 2 percent grade?. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. Join Today! The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. 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. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. Extending the Reach of Your Power I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. 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. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. LGB FAQs : Power 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. 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. Amazon.com: Lionel Transformer Of all the questions fielded by the staff of Classic Toy Trains, inquiries regarding layout wiring top the list.While you might expect numerous questions regarding complex techniques or new technologies, CTT. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads.
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