The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon 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. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. 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. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. What type is your old transformer? If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. Mint-in-box examples of vintage Lionel trains are still valuable and will continue to appreciate in value over time, because there are so few of them. What do I need to do that with? Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. If youre going to run more than one train, you can pair up two smaller transformers, or you can look at the two-handled transformers. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. 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. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. In some cases. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. The smaller the number, the larger the wire. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. Dave, the nice thing about Lionel transformers is you can run them until the bimetallic breaker pops and then you let it cool and you are back in action (after shutting a few things down)! As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. electronically controlled outputs. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. White and black are common selections. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! 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. no it isn't. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. CW80 Transformer. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. I have a basement that offers an 18" concrete ledge that goes around the entire perimeter of the house that lends itself perfectly to a neat layout. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. 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. 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. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. 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). I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! 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. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. 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. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. I am assuming that your starter set came with either o27, brown ties, or 031, black ties, track and it runs well as is. [:)]. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. 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. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. 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). 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. 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. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! At fifteen volts which is about as much as I can put to it without jumping the track, it pulls an average of 2.5 amps, or 37.5 watts--less than one tenth of the transformer capacity of 400. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. 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. Our transformer sizing calculator allows you to obtain the minimum single or three-phase transformer size required based on the load you need to power. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! This will solve the slowdown problem. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. Dave, you're so eloquent and inspiring - my undergraduate degree was in American Studies, now I'm in charge of among other things all our college's technology - also self-taught.. Hello All: Re: Dave Farquhar, Dave you left out sense of humor Regards Steve. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. . Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. 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. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. 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. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. To participate you must either login or register for an account. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. what size lionel transformer do i need. 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. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. Can't plug into outlet? I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. 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. 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. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Although it will not have any impact on the performance of the wire within, choosing multiple colors of wire, and standardizing on a specific color for each function, will go a long way in making your wiring easier to install and easier to detect flaws later on.