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. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. Mike to the forum. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. 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. Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America The smaller of the two is # 12028, which turns your oval into this: There is also the larger 12031 plan, which has a couple extra straight track pieces included, creating this: Even better, one or more of the expansion sets can be combined to create even more interesting track layouts. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. Getting Started - 3 RAIL TRAINS As cheap as the 1033 is, if youre going to buy a transformer, you might as well pay a few dollars more to get a 1033. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Daniel Defense firearms, parts and accessories, http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=9670, http://www.modeltrainforum.com/album.php?u=2334, 14X16 Switching style [url]http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=8241, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkMHvbckuBLo3pJN1FGE1Gg. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. These can all have uses for your layout. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. Lionel Trains: Value, History and What Collectors Should Know A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. 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. Just not quite as much. The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. (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. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. 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. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Ive written more about the Lionel ZW here. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. 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 smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. Model Train Track & Transformer at Lionel Trains We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. 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. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. JavaScript is disabled. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. 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. 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. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. If you plan to just run MTH go with their DCS system if you plan to have a number of different engines or the MTH DCS Remote Commander which is limited to running only one engine at a time. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 sheet of plywood, a 90 watt Lionel 1033 or 1042 is an excellent choice. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. Transformer Size Calculator - Electram What size Lionel transformer do I need? Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. 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. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. While most of the American Flyer products are re-issues using old Gilbert tooling from the 1950s, the O scale equipment is a combination of new designs and reissues. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. 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. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. Ive talked more about the KW here. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. Ill try to find a link to it for you. Our community is FREE to join. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. The KW used to be really expensive, but since Lionel started making big transformers again, you can get a KW for what a 1033 used to cost, which makes it a very nice bargain today on a rugged and powerful transformer with an impressive presence. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. The smaller the number, the larger the wire. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. Price Received. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. 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). (10 lights X . In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. 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. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. What lionel transformer do i need - Go Quick Qna 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! I'm not sure I completely understand your question. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. 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. Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. I covered the more common ones, but if you have another vintage Lionel transformer of more than 75 watts and its in good condition, theres no reason not to use it. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? 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. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. 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. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. 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 Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. 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. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. "What size wire should I use?" The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. Expanding Your Lionel Starter Set - Trainz The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . 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. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. 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. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. how much track can a transformer handle? | Model Train Forum * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. what size lionel transformer do i need. the amount of track is not what is important here. The multi-conductor wire is also available. I will make a note here. The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). 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. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. 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 What size Lionel transformer do I need? Transformer Sizing Calculator What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum LGB FAQs : Power If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. Model train power falls into one of three categories. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. M3103. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. The higher powered units would not meet todays safety standards as issued by Underwriters Laboratories. Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay 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! The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. 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. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. 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. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine 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. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! Transformer Calculator KVA Calculator Full Load Amps Calculator 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. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. 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. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Extending the Reach of Your Power For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. 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. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". This will solve the slowdown problem. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. 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. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. 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. 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. Transformer Size Requirement? - Classic Toy Trains Magazine All about the Lionel ZW - The Silicon Underground They are fun to have. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers for sale | eBay 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. Thanks! Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. 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. 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]. 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. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. 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.