40-200 20 Watt DC Transformer - Small DC transformer suitable for powering a single HO diesel or steam locomotive equipped with Proto-Sound 3.0. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. Are you running command or conventional? The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. As you can see, a lot of great helpers 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. 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). Wire gauges are coded by their size. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. 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. 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! 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. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. Price Received. Although not necessarily a mandated standard, white, black and or red are used for track power on most layouts - if for no other reason than these colors are easiest to find. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). Mark. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. 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. We're sorry. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. 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. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. 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. Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. 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 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. One rail is positive, the other negative. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! . They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! But it is important to take a close look at the cars to make sure that they are a good match for your set. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). 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. Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. I am assuming that your starter set came with either o27, brown ties, or 031, black ties, track and it runs well as is. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. the amount of track is not what is important here. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. And that means theyre affordable. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. This thing has more power then I will ever need. 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). How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. 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. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. 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. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. That means there are lots of them. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. 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. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Turn on the throttle, then short the A and U posts (in the case of Lionel) or variable and base posts (in the case of Flyer) with a screwdriver or a piece of wire for a maximum of five seconds. For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. 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)! It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. 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. Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? 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. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on 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. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. Price Received. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. 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. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! Ive talked about why here. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Past,presentand future. 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. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. Some people even find it fun. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. They are fun to have. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. 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 I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. A. 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. Just not quite as much. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? Many will still run on the track in your starter set, but because they are scale sized, the bodies of these cars may be slightly wider and longer than those in your set. I've got around 320 ft of track between all of the mainline, sidings, etc and I don't have any problems running my engines anywhere on the layout. If youre comfortable doing some work yourself, you can buy a fixer-upper, and my informational links will tell you more about fixing one yourself. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. 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? Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. Do not use this device if water is present. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? They are fun to have. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. 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. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. 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. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. 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. 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. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. JavaScript is disabled. 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. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. Three conductor wire is common for household use. 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. 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. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. If they do, follow their recommendations. 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. Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. Ill try to find a link to it for you. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. OTTS Founder Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. 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. Serious or fatal injuries may result. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. 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. 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. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Just not quite as much. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. Price Received. 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. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. 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. 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. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. 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. 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. 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. If you like fixing things, fixing an old transformer is rewarding. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. 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. 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. Price Received. 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. 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 whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? Sign-up for email today! The multi-conductor wire is also available. 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. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout.

Risen Dead Mc Tyler Tx, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School Of Public Health Apparel, Articles W