Price Received. How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. If the system's train transformer is run in Europe with a step-down transformer alone (converting only voltage from 230V to 115V AC at a 50 Hz), it may not operate as intended. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Lionel Electric Toy Train Transformer Identification Guide 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. What size Lionel transformer do I need? 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. Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers for sale | eBay Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. 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. 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. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. To build on the point you are running MTH trains and therefore will probably go DCS eventually: I would break the track into blocks of about 5 feet in length. 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. In some cases. 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. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. Join Today! Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts - The Spruce Crafts Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. View More! As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! DCS Power Supplies | MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. 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. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. 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. 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. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! 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. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. 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. 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. The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. Price Received. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. 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! Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. 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. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. 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. 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. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. 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. 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. 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. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. Our community is FREE to join. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. 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. What size Lionel transformer do I need? - Tracks-movie.com He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. Never had a problem. The higher powered units would not meet todays safety standards as issued by Underwriters Laboratories. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! To participate you must either login or register for an account. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. As an example, look at these two cars closely: While both are gondola cars and run on O Gauge track, note how the car on the left is much longer than the one on the right. I will make a note here. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! On the flip side, the new transformers do not seem to work as well with the prewar whistle tenders.Has anyone else noticed this anomaly? When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. Mark. Amazon.com: Lionel Transformer 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. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. (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. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Power Conversion for Lionel Trains and O-Gauge - KCC Scientific The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. Of course, if you happen to have enough Number12 wire left over from a home renovation project to install all the buses on your small layout, it won't do any harm. I really doubt you will need more than that. 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 good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! What type is your old transformer? Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. Handbook of layout wiring | Classic Toy Trains Magazine The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. 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. Lionel, LLC continued to manufacture and market trains and accessories in O scale under the Lionel brand and S gauge under the American Flyer brand. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. 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. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. 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. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on 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. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! 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. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. 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 the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. 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. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. Anyway if it takes me 100 years to finish this thing one thing is for sure I will not have to worry about powering anything and everything. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. 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. How to correctly size a transformer | Consulting - Specifying Engineer These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. 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. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. 7 Best Transformer For Model Railway - LEDS.CC Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. 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. Transformer Size Requirement? - Classic Toy Trains Magazine Problem with Rail King Protocol Sounds reversing unit, My D-190 Back in Action After Move to to NC, Caboose Identification - late era vintage, Continuing Saga Newtown Hardwrare House WIP. 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 Trains: Value, History and What Collectors Should Know The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. As the train goes by, the door to the shed opens and a figure pops out, and once the train has passed the figure re-enters the building and the door shuts. Transformer Calculator KVA Calculator Full Load Amps Calculator I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. Serious or fatal injuries may result. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). Sign-up for email today! The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. 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. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. how much track can a transformer handle? | Model Train Forum I recently read an article/product review in the OGR magazine for the new Lioneltransformerand wassurprisedto learn that not all voltage outputwave-formsare created equal (pure sine wave versus some type of clipped sine wave). 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.". The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. What does a Lionel transformer do? In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! We're sorry. 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. Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. what size lionel transformer do i need. The multi-conductor wire is also available. 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. Of all the questions fielded by the staff of Classic Toy Trains, inquiries regarding layout wiring top the list.While you might expect numerous questions regarding complex techniques or new technologies, CTT. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. 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. electronically controlled outputs. American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information Take the hint. Likewise, if you only want to run one train at a time, you can keep other trains on the track by wiring with blocks, and turning off trains that are not in use. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. The first Lionel electric trains were powered by wet-cell batteries, which were, of course, dangerous. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. Transformer sizing for new systems It does not work with O27. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. If you want to connect ten landscape lights to a magnetic transformer, and the lights use 30 watts each, you would need a 375 watt transformer. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered