what size lionel transformer do i need what size lionel transformer do i need

Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. That transformer will only prolly handle 1 engine and depending on how long it is will depend on how many extra feeders you will need around the layout. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. If mixing both non-command as well as command engines, both by the way will run without any thing other than the appropriate transformer, it really depends on the budget. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. 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. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. 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. Some people even find it fun. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. Been there, done that. Effort. The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. View More! The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. Wire gauges are coded by their size. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? www.spankybird.shutterfly.com, God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. 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. 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. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. JavaScript is disabled. Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. The smaller the number, the larger the wire. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". 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. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. One rail is positive, the other negative. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. First, a few general notes about choosing wire. The smaller of the two is #12028, which turns your oval into this: There is also the larger 12031 plan, which has a couple extra straight track pieces included, creating this: Even better, one or more of the expansion sets can be combined to create even more interesting track layouts. 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. 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. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. 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. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. 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. 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. Extending the Reach of Your Power Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. 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. 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. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. Effort. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. 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. What does a Lionel transformer do? Just not quite as much. 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. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. 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. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! The CW-80 is a nice little transformer, has accessory output as well,but as you have stated you will outgrow the CW-80 pretty quick. Faq No: 1029 As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. Take the hint. 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. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. Dave, you're so eloquent and inspiring - my undergraduate degree was in American Studies, now I'm in charge of among other things all our college's technology - also self-taught.. Hello All: Re: Dave Farquhar, Dave you left out sense of humor Regards Steve. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. 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. Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. Serious or fatal injuries may result. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). A. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. Sign-up for email today! It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). 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. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. 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. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. I've read that it is good practice to add feeders every 10 sections of track or sothat seems like a lot but I suppose that beats having "dead" spots in the track. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. However, if you begin adding more than 1 or 2 cars, be sure to get some extra track, or your longer train will be chasing its tail very quickly. 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 layout I am building is 5 sheets of 4x8 plywood and it will probaly take me 100 years to build it (I hope I have that much time left). The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam The multi-conductor wire is also available. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. 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. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. In some cases. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. Our community is FREE to join. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. 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. While it is tempting to go with the biggest wire possible to guarantee excess capacity, there are drawbacks to putting in more than you need. converting a 2-rail freight car to 2-rail with Atlas trucks, My Triple Level Layout -FREEBIE UPDATE- 3/2/23, Successful Open House Upstate (NY) Model Railroaders, FS: Lionel MPC and modern traditional size rolling stock. Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. 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. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. 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. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! 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. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). If youre going to run more than one train, you can pair up two smaller transformers, or you can look at the two-handled transformers. Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. its the amount of engines you need to worry about, I'm currently running my entire layout on a single DC power supply that came with an Athearn engine/track set. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. I've had light 'arguments' with fellow hobbyists claiming most of their fellows are predominantly technically - oriented vs. what I would consider is a more liberal artsy approach - any way it's a great balance. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. It is 5" long. This is why my wife loves me so. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. (10 lights X . Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. 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 Model train power falls into one of three categories. 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. 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. What do I need to do that with? That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. 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. 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)! Its a bargain at that price. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! Thanks! Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. 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. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. Do not use this device if water is present. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. Just not quite as much. Price Received. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. 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. [:)]. 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 Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. 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. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. 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. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. 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. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. 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. If you add feeders to the track at the farthest point (remember to get the same wire to the same rails) you will not slow down at the farthest point. Serving these devices with their own dedicated supply will not only allow you to supply them with a proper constant voltage, but it will also free your main power supply to handle the load of the train itself. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. 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. You don't really need a diagram -- you want to pick your interval (some would recommend as often as 3'), drill a hole down through your base, and connect a wire to a bus which runs beneath the layout and connects to your transformer (obviously, you need two wires, one for each powered rail). Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. We're sorry. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. 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's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. 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. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. $2799. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. 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. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. 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. Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. the amount of track is not what is important here. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. White and black are common selections. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. 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! This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. 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. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever.