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. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube It does not work with O27. For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. Different wiring projects call for different standards. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! These can all have uses for your layout. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. Smaller layouts (a typical 4 foot by 8 foot being a good example) can usually get by with Number16 since the length of the run from the power supply to the track is never more than a few feet. --I need a station for the train to stop at. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Hello All: Another simple way of doing it, Only load the transformer to 75% of it's capacity, or take your total load & multiply by 125% for proper transformer sizing. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. 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. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. I will make a note here. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. There is no reason why your Lionel ZWs and Flyer big ones cant be used to run AC-powered trains of any vintage new or old. 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. Three conductor wire is common for household use. 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. Just not quite as much. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. 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. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct 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. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. 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. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. If you like, tell us more about yourself. 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. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. The first Lionel electric trains were powered by wet-cell batteries, which were, of course, dangerous. You must be signed in to continue. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. 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. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. While better starter sets usually include a more robust transformer, as a general rule the power pack supplied with your starter set is just thata start. 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. If you make a complete loop of 100 feet with good track joints, you'll have something like .1 ohm from the transformer to the farthest point, using the rule of thumb that most track is something like 16 AWG wire (.004 ohms per foot) and that there are two 50 foot tracks feeding the farthest point from two directions. The multi-conductor wire is also available. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". 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. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. 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. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. 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. 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. Some people even find it fun. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 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. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. 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. 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. Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? If they do, follow their recommendations. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. Price Received. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. Also, you must have a built-in circuit breaker to prevent a short circuit from causing permanent damage to the power supply or the trains. 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). And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. I am assuming that your starter set came with either o27, brown ties, or 031, black ties, track and it runs well as is. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. 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. 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. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. They are fun to have. "What size wire should I use?" Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Amazon.com: Lionel Transformer Service/Tested $55.00 1 bid $14.06 shipping 1d 6h LIONEL TYPE (KW) TRAINMASTER TRANSFORMER FOR PARTS OR RESTORATION $17.05 4 bids $19.95 shipping 9h 23m Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. Ive talked about why here. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. Reverse the above if planning to run mostly Lionel and go with the Lionel command system, either the full Legacy system or the upcoming CAB-1L and just add a Track Power Controller and a cable to run most MTH engines in conventional with the Lionel systems. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. 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 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. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? 7 Best Transformer For Model Railway - LEDS.CC Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. 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. Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. 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. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! M3103. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). Safety first. 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. All about the Lionel ZW - The Silicon Underground The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. 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. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. 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. And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. They are fun to have. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? Extending the Reach of Your Power All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. 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. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. 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. Serious or fatal injuries may result. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). 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. 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 The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine That means there are lots of them. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. Effort. 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. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. LGB FAQs : Power All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Which Lionel transformer do I need? - The Silicon Underground The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. And that means theyre affordable. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. Price Received. Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. Ill try to find a link to it for you. Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. If you're experiencing problems with your wiring due to humidity, for example, you are going to face even greater issues with the trains and tracks themselves. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. Its a good transformer. 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. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. 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. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. 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. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. 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. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Effort. 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). They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? how much track can a transformer handle? | Model Train Forum I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. Can't plug into outlet? 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. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. I have had the same problem. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. 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. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. 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. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. 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. How to correctly size a transformer | Consulting - Specifying Engineer Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). I'm not sure I completely understand your question. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. DCS Power Supplies | MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. That it not to say that there are not engineering formulae to calculate the current draw and thus the wattage, but far and away the easiest method is to measure it. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp In some cases. Been there, done that. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. 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. 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. What type is your old transformer? 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. I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. Model train power falls into one of three categories. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics.