what size lionel transformer do i need

For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Effort. Amazon.com: Lionel O Gauge Transformer Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! Different wiring projects call for different standards. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. $2799. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. 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. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. This is different from the stranded wire in that the different individual wires, each with their color-coded insulation, is placed inside a secondary insulation wrap. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. what size lionel transformer do i need - senatlaevproducts.com Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. 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. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. 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. I know my train club had an issue with conventional locomotives not running properly on a layout with DCS and TMCC and apparently solved it by replacing a Lionel transformer with an MRC transformer that puts out a pure sine wave. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Some people even find it fun. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). Effort. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. 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. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. Expanding Your Lionel Starter Set - Trainz --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. I really doubt you will need more than that. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. 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. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. If they do, follow their recommendations. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. . Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts - The Spruce Crafts Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Lionel Fastrack Track System O Scale Trains | Lionel Fastrack for Sale With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. 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. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. 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. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. Just like with your track bus and feeders, running an accessory bus of slightly heavier wire to connect to each light or accessory with a smaller feeder is a good plan. Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers Best Selling Lionel 1908080 O Gauge CW80 Transformers - Black (4) $147.85 New $110.00 Used Lionel Legacy Powermaster Lnl637146 (13) $134.99 New $90.00 Used Lionel 634120 TMCC Direct Lock-On Transformer - Silver (21) $58.99 New $49.99 Used 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. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". Just not quite as much. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. 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. 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. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. These can all have uses for your layout. 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. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. [:)]. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. 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. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. 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. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. 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. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. 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. It would be advantageous if OGR magazine would put an article together comparing the major manufacturers transformers output waveform compatibility/ incompatibilitywith the various manufacturer's locomotives - Atlas O, Weaver, 3rd Rail, MTH , Lionel etc and conventional , DCS , TMCC, Legacy command control. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. If you like, tell us more about yourself. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. 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. 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. 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. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. Just get a Lionel #12053 Accessory wire set and enough extra wire to connect from the wire set back to your transformer [speaker wire works well]. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! We're sorry. 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. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. 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. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. 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. It is 5" long. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. 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. Price Received. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 Three conductor wire is common for household use. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. And that means theyre affordable. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. 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. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. 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. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. 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. no it isn't. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. This is interesting stuff. 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. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. 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. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. 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. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. 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 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. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! They are fun to have. 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. Mark. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. Join Today! 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. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! 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. Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? 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'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. But it is important to take a close look at the cars to make sure that they are a good match for your set. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. 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. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. Serious or fatal injuries may result. Ive talked about why here. 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. These are all good, dependable transformers from the postwar era that are easy to find today, have adequate wattages ranging from 90-270 watts, have a circuit breaker for safety and have a whistle controller. 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. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. 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. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? What type is your old transformer? Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. The old transformer is not really the problem, the problem is the supply wire, particularly under heavyload (or derailment without the benefit of a quicker breaker). Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! View More! Our community is FREE to join. What size Lionel transformer do I need? 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. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. 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. Actually the choice of transformer is secondary to the choice of control systems since you can operate O gauge trains with most any good modern transformer. Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. 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. Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America PDF Lionel CW-80 Transformer Owner's Manual - thomconte.com 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. Sign-up for email today! Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. Price Received. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. 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. White and black are common selections. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. OTTS Founder Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. 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. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. :-). 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.". what size lionel transformer do i need. Model Train Scales & Gauges: The Lionel Trains Guide A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. Lionel Ready-to-Play is a large sized train that's made to be affordable and easy-to-use for both kids and adults alike.

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