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. Just not quite as much. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. 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. It does not work with O27. Classification/marker lights on the PRR steam engine, For Sale: Lionel 6-11127 Legacy Southern Pacific GS-4 Daylight, Lionel Bethlehem Steel slag car and ATLAS NYC Baggage car, Lionel O 2333790 TrainWorld & RBP Trains Chris Raines -Exclusive - Katy LEGACY ES44AC #2021, Converting MTH Rail king GS-4 PROTO 2 to ERR Cruise Commander, The Harpers Ferry Layout II - Backdrop panels completed. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". 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. 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. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts - The Spruce Crafts It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. [:)]. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. 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. Why Do Lionel Trains Have 3 Rails? | Worldwide Rails I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. 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. Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . PDF Lionel CW-80 Transformer Owner's Manual - thomconte.com 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. editors report that most of the wiring issues they address involve basic principles of electricity - the stuff that Ben Franklin played with when he flew his kite. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Different wiring projects call for different standards. 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. 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. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. OTTS Founder 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. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. Its a good transformer. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. It is 5" long. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. 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. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Part of the Lionel line since the 1930s, the gateman today is offered not only with a regular railroad-type figure, but also in versions with Santa Claus and a nutcracker figure for the Christmas season. For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 (or smaller) sheet of plywood, a 90-wattLionel 1033 or 1044 is an excellent choice. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. What type is your old transformer? What lionel transformer do i need - Go Quick Qna Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. So, if you want to connect eight landscape lights to an electronic transformer, and the lights use 20 watts each, you would need a 160 watt transformer. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. This is why my wife loves me so. what size lionel transformer do i need. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 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 really doubt you will need more than that. 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. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. 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. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. 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. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. But it is important to take a close look at the cars to make sure that they are a good match for your set. 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. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. Choosing the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains - The Spruce Crafts 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. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). This will solve the slowdown problem. 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. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. Its a bargain at that price. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Join Today! What gauge wire is used for Lionel trains? - Sage-Advices I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. 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. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. how much track can a transformer handle? | Model Train Forum There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. To participate you must either login or register for an account. 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 Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. 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! If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. 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?. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. White and black are common selections. Extending the Reach of Your Power Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. Calculating transformer size for layout size - Classic Toy - Trains Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. Transformer sizing for new systems A Veteran, whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life.". Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. What does a Lionel transformer do? There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. A. When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". 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. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. 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. 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. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Three conductor wire is common for household use. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). Just not quite as much. I run an MTH 4-6-2 PS-1 pulling five Madisons on about fifty feet of track and the transformer I am using (Z-4000) has a digital amp readout. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! 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. If they do, follow their recommendations. Price Received. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. This means that they are not exact 1:48 replicas of the real thing but instead are selectively compressed to negotiate the tight turns of regular Lionel track. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. 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. the amount of track is not what is important here. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. $2799. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. 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. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. 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. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. 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. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. 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. 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. The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! Ill try to find a link to it for you. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! Effort. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. Thanks! Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. For many first-time train buyers, once the initial excitement of setting up the train and watching it run has passed, the desire to make it do more usually begins. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. 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. Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. (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. 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 whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. I will make a note here. 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. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay Expanding Your Lionel Starter Set - Trainz The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. 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. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. I have one R transformer from which I run everything - but only 1 train at a time and a few accessories for a layout in a space about 24 by 10 ft. Both are lighted. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. 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. Ive written more about the Lionel ZW here. Transformer Sizing Calculator Safety first. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. 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. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. This thing has more power then I will ever need. 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