With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. converting a 2-rail freight car to 2-rail with Atlas trucks, My Triple Level Layout -FREEBIE UPDATE- 3/2/23, Successful Open House Upstate (NY) Model Railroaders, FS: Lionel MPC and modern traditional size rolling stock. 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. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. I am assuming that your starter set came with either o27, brown ties, or 031, black ties, track and it runs well as is. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. :-). One rail is positive, the other negative. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. 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. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. 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. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. 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. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. 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. I suggest that you proactively lay an 10-2 AWG NM cable (or at least 12-2) along the track and tap into it as needed to keep the voltage up. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Actually it was a train show with varied trains of all different eras being run I have mostly MTH trains though and they wouldn't run because the transformer that was running wasn't powerful enough to cycle through my MTH trainsounds. Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. 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. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! 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 I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. 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. . Price Received. To participate you must either login or register for an account. 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. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. This thing has more power then I will ever need. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? www.spankybird.shutterfly.com, God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. 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. 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. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. 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. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. 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. Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? 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. What do I need to do that with? The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! 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. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. Been there, done that. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. 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. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. If they do, follow their recommendations. 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. 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. 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. 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. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 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. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. 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. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. 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. And that means theyre affordable. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. 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. 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?. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. 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. To determine the required transformer VA, multiply the secondary voltage by the required amperes: For example, VA=Volts x Amperes or 28V x 1.2 amperes = 33.6 VA. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. 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. 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. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. Why Sign In? As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. Never had a problem. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. Safety first. 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. They are fun to have. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. But it is important to take a close look at the cars to make sure that they are a good match for your set. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. 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. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. 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 circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. 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. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. 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. 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. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered 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. 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. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. It does not work with O27. Will get a Z4000 one day [this summer probably, unless I find a good deal on an older ZW] just to say I have one. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. The Lionel RW also happens to be a great transformer for Marx or American Flyer trains too, when you connect the track leads to the B and U posts instead of the A and U posts youd normally use for most Lionel setups. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. Some people even find it fun. What does a Lionel transformer do? The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. 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. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. I have had the same problem. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. 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. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. Ive talked about why here. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train.
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