Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. Serious or fatal injuries may result. They give a great deal of power in a single handled transformer, and if you run trains along with another person, it can be more convenient for you to both have a smaller transformer than for two people to huddle around a larger KW or ZW transformer and share its handles. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. Three conductor wire is common for household use. Sign-up for email today! Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. RemembertheVeterans. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. Lionel uses red and black (red always for the center rail, black for the two outer rails) as a standard in its instructions and most 3-Rail O Gauge layouts are probably wired this way. I really doubt you will need more than that. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. 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. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. They are fun to have. Why Sign In? From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. 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. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. A. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). On a large loop of track you will need to have multiple drops, hook-ups, to the transformer because if you only have one hook up the train will get slower the father away it gets from the transformer. (10 lights X . Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. 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. 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 amount of track is not what is important here. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. Ive talked about why here. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. I know my train club had an issue with conventional locomotives not running properly on a layout with DCS and TMCC and apparently solved it by replacing a Lionel transformer with an MRC transformer that puts out a pure sine wave. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. 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. The multi-conductor wire is also available. 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. That means there are lots of them. EXPLORE FasTrack 10" Straight Track 4-Pack 6-12032 $ 21.99 FasTrack Grade Crossing with Flashers 6-12052 $ 99.99 FasTrack O36 Curved Track 4-Pack 6-12033 $ 21.99 Legacy AMC-2 Motor Controller I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. 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. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. OTTS Founder 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). Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. 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. At auction, Lionel train sets, pieces, and accessories can sell for a few hundred dollars or for a few thousand dollars, depending on the rarity and condition of the piece. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. Doug, there's definitely room for the liberal arts approach to the hobby--I have a journalism degree; how I became a computer technician was pretty much an accident. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. 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. Do not use this device if water is present. What does a Lionel transformer do? THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. "What size wire should I use?" As the kit grows and you start putting in turnouts (or the point switching systems) to move your train from one track to another track, you will not only need more than 1 transformer, you will. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. 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. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! Just not quite as much. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. Although not necessarily a mandated standard, white, black and or red are used for track power on most layouts - if for no other reason than these colors are easiest to find. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Just connect the jumper wires to the same connections on the back of your transformer as your original connections, and make sure that the wires are not crossed. Different wiring projects call for different standards. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. 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. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. what size lionel transformer do i need. If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Effort. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. M3103. Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. 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. Some people even find it fun. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. 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. 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. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. 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. 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. 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. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. Problem with Rail King Protocol Sounds reversing unit, My D-190 Back in Action After Move to to NC, Caboose Identification - late era vintage, Continuing Saga Newtown Hardwrare House WIP. Our community is FREE to join. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. Mike to the forum. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. As your layout grows beyond the basic oval of track that comes with most starter sets, a good power distribution network is essential to getting consistent performance from your train all the way around. 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. 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. 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. 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. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. They are fun to have. Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. Faq No: 1029 Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc].
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