How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. 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. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. Lionel, LLC continued to manufacture and market trains and accessories in O scale under the Lionel brand and S gauge under the American Flyer brand. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. what size lionel transformer do i need. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. 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. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. 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?. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). 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. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. 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. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. 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. 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. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! 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. Do not use this device if water is present. 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 better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. 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. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! 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. Just not quite as much. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. These are all good, dependable transformers from the postwar era that are easy to find today, have adequate wattages ranging from 90-270 watts, have a circuit breaker for safety and have a whistle controller. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. 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. 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. [:)]. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. 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. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. 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? TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. Mike to the forum. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. Wire gauges are coded by their size. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. $2799. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. Thanks! To participate you must either login or register for an account. View More! Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. 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. 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. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers Best Selling Lionel 1908080 O Gauge CW80 Transformers - Black (4) $147.85 New $110.00 Used Lionel Legacy Powermaster Lnl637146 (13) $134.99 New $90.00 Used Lionel 634120 TMCC Direct Lock-On Transformer - Silver (21) $58.99 New $49.99 Used Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. This will solve the slowdown problem. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. Lionel made these for years and kept them in production under a different model number well into the 1970s because it was a reliable, dependable design and had enough power for a typical starter set while leaving some room to grow. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. This is interesting stuff. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. 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. 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. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. 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. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. I have had the same problem. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. Been there, done that. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Although it will not have any impact on the performance of the wire within, choosing multiple colors of wire, and standardizing on a specific color for each function, will go a long way in making your wiring easier to install and easier to detect flaws later on. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. (10 lights X . Price Received. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. These can all have uses for your layout. Actually the choice of transformer is secondary to the choice of control systems since you can operate O gauge trains with most any good modern transformer. Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? Why Sign In? It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. 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. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. 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. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. 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! Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. 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. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. 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. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. 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. Effort. Are you running command or conventional? 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. 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. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. (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. Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. Just not quite as much. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. 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. 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. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). Price Received. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. 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.