The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. 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. 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. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. I will make a note here. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. Its a good transformer. 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. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). 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. Wire gauges are coded by their size. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. Do not use this device if water is present. Safety first. 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! --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. 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. My layout I am building is 5 sheets of 4x8 plywood and it will probaly take me 100 years to build it (I hope I have that much time left). Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. 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 Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. 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. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. Effort. 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. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). Been there, done that. 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. 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. 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. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. 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. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. 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. 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 Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). 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. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. 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! 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. 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. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. You must be signed in to continue. Ive talked more about the KW here. 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. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. . Likewise, if you only want to run one train at a time, you can keep other trains on the track by wiring with blocks, and turning off trains that are not in use. 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. 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. The multi-conductor wire is also available. First, a few general notes about choosing wire. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. 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. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. 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. 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. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. 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)! Why Sign In? We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. RemembertheVeterans. To participate you must either login or register for an account. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. Today Lionel includes the same basic track oval in all starter sets8 36-inch diameter curve sections, 3 10 straight track sections, and 1 10 straight terminal section, which create this layout: Until recently, to add to this layout, you would need to buy separate straight, curved, and other track sections and wing it in creating a larger setup. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. They give a great deal of power in a single handled transformer, and if you run trains along with another person, it can be more convenient for you to both have a smaller transformer than for two people to huddle around a larger KW or ZW transformer and share its handles. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. Its a bargain at that price. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. They are fun to have. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. A small set that came with track, transformer, 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. 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. So, if you want to connect eight landscape lights to an electronic transformer, and the lights use 20 watts each, you would need a 160 watt transformer. If they do, follow their recommendations. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Serious or fatal injuries may result. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 A while back, approximately 2 weeks ago while running two very lengthy loops of fast track an old transformer nearly fried (50 years old) one of my wires that I was running to my Fastrac. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. If mixing both non-command as well as command engines, both by the way will run without any thing other than the appropriate transformer, it really depends on the budget. The higher powered units would not meet todays safety standards as issued by Underwriters Laboratories. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. 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. Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. What size Lionel transformer do I need? It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. Price Received. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? 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. [:)]. 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. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. 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. 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. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. Never had a problem. Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. (10 lights X . Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. 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. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022.
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