40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . 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. 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?. Model train power falls into one of three categories. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. Price Received. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. 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. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. Sign-up for email today! It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. They give a great deal of power in a single handled transformer, and if you run trains along with another person, it can be more convenient for you to both have a smaller transformer than for two people to huddle around a larger KW or ZW transformer and share its handles. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. That means there are lots of them. 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. By creating alternate routes, more complex loops, and storage tracks, your trains will suddenly be even more interesting to watch and they will begin providing you the feeling that they are going somewhere and that you are running a small railroad. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. What type is your old transformer? I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. 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. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! Join Today! The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. 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. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. Price Received. 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. 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. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. They run on three rail track. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. One rail is positive, the other negative. 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. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. Price Received. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. If you are wiring with a common rail for your blocks, then keeping the common rail the same color all the time while changing the color for the other rail in each block is also an option. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. 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. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. Price Received. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. 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. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! Thanks! Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. Its a good transformer. Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. 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. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. CW80 Transformer. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. The higher powered units would not meet todays safety standards as issued by Underwriters Laboratories. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. "What size wire should I use?" Three conductor wire is common for household use. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. Well Mike what I am about to suggest may be a little pricy or at least it was for me but I have managed to buy a new Lionel ZW. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. 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. What do I need to do that with? With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. Classic Toy Trains magazine offers information about toy trains operating and collecting, toy train product news and reviews, toy train layout tips, toy train layout designs and track plans, and more. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? 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. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Safety first. These can all have uses for your layout. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. At auction, Lionel train sets, pieces, and accessories can sell for a few hundred dollars or for a few thousand dollars, depending on the rarity and condition of the piece. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. 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. 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. To participate you must either login or register for an account. The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. 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. Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. 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. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! It is 5" long. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. 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. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. 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. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! In most cases, because we are dealing with relatively low voltage and amperage and in a normally stable temperature and humidity climates, our wiring does not require any extra insulation. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? The fraction of your transformer's power lost in the track will therefore be well under 10 percent, since it is proportional to the voltage drop. The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . 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. 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.
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