$7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. $2799. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. Effort. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. Been there, done that. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here.
Transformer Size Requirement? - Classic Toy Trains Magazine 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. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). 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. That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. 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. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. Are you running command or conventional? 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. 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. They have everything you need for a basic setup, and the larger ones are capable of running the smaller layouts you see in the train magazines, so they have some room for growth. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. I have had the same problem. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon 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. Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. 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. 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. 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. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. 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)! Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. Our community is FREE to join. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. 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. 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 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. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. The higher powered units would not meet todays safety standards as issued by Underwriters Laboratories. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. We're sorry. 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. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. Model train power falls into one of three categories. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). Do not connect this product to any other power supply. RemembertheVeterans. 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. Ive talked more about the KW here. A. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. Three conductor wire is common for household use. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. Some people even find it fun. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. 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. 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. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. 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. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! 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. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. 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. 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. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating.
Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA --I need a station for the train to stop at. Ive talked about why here. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. I really doubt you will need more than that. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. 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. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). 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. Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. 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.
6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. 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 Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. To participate you must either login or register for an account. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one.
Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. First, a few general notes about choosing wire. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires.
Choosing the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains - The Spruce Crafts There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find.
Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America 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. 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. 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). But after a little while, you will likely want your train to do more, and youll start thinking along these lines: --It sure would be neat if it did more than run in a circle. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers.
These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. Price Received. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. What type is your old transformer? It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. (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. 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. 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. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! Ive written more about the Lionel ZW here. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on HO gauge is very popular because of its size. 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. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. 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). You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct I am assuming that your starter set came with either o27, brown ties, or 031, black ties, track and it runs well as is. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. 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. I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. 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. They are fun to have. Different wiring projects call for different standards. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. Effort.
In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. Its a good transformer. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period.
Lionel Fastrack Track System O Scale Trains | Lionel Fastrack for Sale 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. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. 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. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo.
LGB FAQs : Power 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 makes two expansion sets for this purpose. The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. 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. 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. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. 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. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! 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. Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. At fifteen volts which is about as much as I can put to it without jumping the track, it pulls an average of 2.5 amps, or 37.5 watts--less than one tenth of the transformer capacity of 400. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. (10 lights X . The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. 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. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. 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. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. Extending the Reach of Your Power 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. 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. 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. What do I need to do that with? As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). 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. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. 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. 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.