If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". 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. 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?. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! This thing has more power then I will ever need. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. Extending the Reach of Your Power Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. 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. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. UpBright 18V AC/DC Adapter Compatible with Lionel O Gauge Fastrack 10" Remote Control Terminal Straight LionChief System Track 6-1923100 HKYF45-180230T-US DC18V 2300mA 18VDC Power Supply Cord Charger. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). 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. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. 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. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. 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. The old transformer is not really the problem, the problem is the supply wire, particularly under heavyload (or derailment without the benefit of a quicker breaker). Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. White and black are common selections. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. 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. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. 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. They run on three rail track. Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. what size lionel transformer do i need. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. 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. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. They are fun to have. Never had a problem. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. 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! It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. 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. Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. I really doubt you will need more than that. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. 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. The least expensive power supply you should consider is the Lionel CW80 Transformer; you can buy a new one for about $150 or a used on one eBay for about $60. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. 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. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. This is why my wife loves me so. 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. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". the amount of track is not what is important here. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. 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. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. The KW used to be really expensive, but since Lionel started making big transformers again, you can get a KW for what a 1033 used to cost, which makes it a very nice bargain today on a rugged and powerful transformer with an impressive presence. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! Price Received. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. It does not work with O27. Join Today! Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. M3103. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. Both are lighted. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. Just like with your track bus and feeders, running an accessory bus of slightly heavier wire to connect to each light or accessory with a smaller feeder is a good plan. 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. The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! Some great beginner accessories are the #12052 Fastrack Highway Signal set, which is a set of highway signals that blink as the train goes by. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. Some people even find it fun. 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. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. There is the 12030 Figure-8 set, which along with the track included in your set makes your layout into this: Figure-8s are great because they create a crossing, giving the appearance of a railroad junction, they break up the oval, and the parts to create them are relatively cheap. 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. Turn on the throttle, then short the A and U posts (in the case of Lionel) or variable and base posts (in the case of Flyer) with a screwdriver or a piece of wire for a maximum of five seconds. 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 If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? 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. 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.
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