what size lionel transformer do i need

Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. 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. 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. 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. 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. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. 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. 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 youre comfortable doing some work yourself, you can buy a fixer-upper, and my informational links will tell you more about fixing one yourself. 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. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. 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. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). 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. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. 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. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. To participate you must either login or register for an account. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! 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 --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. 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. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Ive talked about why here. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! 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]. no it isn't. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. 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. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. 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. 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. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. 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. . Getting Started - 3 RAIL TRAINS 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. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Sign-up for email today! Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? 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! 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 be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. While better starter sets usually include a more robust transformer, as a general rule the power pack supplied with your starter set is just thata start. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. 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. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. Ive written more about the Lionel ZW here. 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. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. 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 transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. Effort. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. 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. 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. Its a good transformer. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. Ill try to find a link to it for you. I really doubt you will need more than that. 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. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 (or smaller) sheet of plywood, a 90-wattLionel 1033 or 1044 is an excellent choice. This will solve the slowdown problem. 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. 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. Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. 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. They are reasonably durable and were popular in their day, which means there are still a lot of them floating around so they tend to be inexpensive. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. 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. You don't really need a diagram -- you want to pick your interval (some would recommend as often as 3'), drill a hole down through your base, and connect a wire to a bus which runs beneath the layout and connects to your transformer (obviously, you need two wires, one for each powered rail). 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. 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. To participate you must either login or register for an account. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. 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). 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. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. Model Train Scales & Gauges: The Lionel Trains Guide The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. 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. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. 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. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). 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. And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered Calculating transformer size for layout size - Classic Toy - Trains Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. If they do, follow their recommendations. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. It does not work with O27. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Lionel made these for years and kept them in production under a different model number well into the 1970s because it was a reliable, dependable design and had enough power for a typical starter set while leaving some room to grow. :-). Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. 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. Lionel Trains: Value, History and What Collectors Should Know Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. 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. 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. Lionel Fastrack Track System O Scale Trains | Lionel Fastrack for Sale Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. Mark. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. 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). It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). 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. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. 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 1044 is just a 1033 in a . Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. 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. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. Although it will not have any impact on the performance of the wire within, choosing multiple colors of wire, and standardizing on a specific color for each function, will go a long way in making your wiring easier to install and easier to detect flaws later on. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. They are fun to have. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. LGB FAQs : Power 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. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information what size lionel transformer do i need. 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. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. 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. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. 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. 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. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! 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. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. If your track joints aren't near perfect or if you should want to split that loop into two blocks, you'll double the voltage drop. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. CW80 Transformer. 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. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. If you like, tell us more about yourself. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. Extending the Reach of Your Power 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. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. 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. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. 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! Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. While those locomotives and their sound systems are designed to operate using conventional transformers like your ZW, digital controllers are needed to activate additional features like special sound effects and coupler activation. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. what size lionel transformer do i need - senatlaevproducts.com 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. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. What type is your old transformer? I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting.

Biola University Dorm, Fmc4me Fmcna Login, Trumbull High School Honor Roll 2019, Articles W