what size lionel transformer do i need what size lionel transformer do i need

Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. 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. 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. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. 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. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. 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. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. They are fun to have. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. These can all have uses for your layout. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. In most cases, because we are dealing with relatively low voltage and amperage and in a normally stable temperature and humidity climates, our wiring does not require any extra insulation. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. Transformer Size Requirement? - Classic Toy Trains Magazine 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. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. Amazon.com: Lionel O Gauge Transformer Lionels HO Gauge items are back! This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. 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! Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. Take the hint. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. Handbook of layout wiring | Classic Toy Trains Magazine Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 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. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. What size Lionel transformer do I need? I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Transformer sizing for new systems First, a few general notes about choosing wire. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. If you add feeders to the track at the farthest point (remember to get the same wire to the same rails) you will not slow down at the farthest point. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. (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. 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. For Lionel power the 45 watts is good for a 4 by 8 as a rule of thumb to compensate poor track you just use more feeders. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! 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. Join Today! Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. 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. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. 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 power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. . If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. Effort. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. electronically controlled outputs. Price Received. However, if you begin to add lighted cars, or more than a couple accessories, you may find that your train will not run as fast, or that it will shut off entirely. The 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. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. 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). Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. 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. Safety first. I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. 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. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. 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. What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. If you're experiencing problems with your wiring due to humidity, for example, you are going to face even greater issues with the trains and tracks themselves. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. 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. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. 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. 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. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. Both are lighted. The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. 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. To participate you must either login or register for an account. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. Extending the Reach of Your Power My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! What type is your old transformer? Many will still run on the track in your starter set, but because they are scale sized, the bodies of these cars may be slightly wider and longer than those in your set. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. 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. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). 7 Best Transformer For Model Railway - LEDS.CC However, if you begin adding more than 1 or 2 cars, be sure to get some extra track, or your longer train will be chasing its tail very quickly. 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 Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. 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. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. 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. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. That means there are lots of them. 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. Serious or fatal injuries may result. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. 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)! Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. Our community is FREE to join. Lionel, LLC continued to manufacture and market trains and accessories in O scale under the Lionel brand and S gauge under the American Flyer brand. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. We're sorry. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. 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. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. If you make a complete loop of 100 feet with good track joints, you'll have something like .1 ohm from the transformer to the farthest point, using the rule of thumb that most track is something like 16 AWG wire (.004 ohms per foot) and that there are two 50 foot tracks feeding the farthest point from two directions. The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. You must be signed in to continue. I run an MTH 4-6-2 PS-1 pulling five Madisons on about fifty feet of track and the transformer I am using (Z-4000) has a digital amp readout. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. Some people even find it fun. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on Kind Regards Steve, QUOTE: by Dave Has anyone here ever blown a transformer from hauling a double-headed Allegheny coal drag up a 2 percent grade?. Mark. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. As an example, look at these two cars closely: While both are gondola cars and run on O Gauge track, note how the car on the left is much longer than the one on the right. Price Received. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. This is interesting stuff. Lionel Fastrack Track System O Scale Trains | Lionel Fastrack for Sale Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. 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. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. the amount of track is not what is important here. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. 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. PDF Lionel CW-80 Transformer Owner's Manual - thomconte.com If you are wiring with a common rail for your blocks, then keeping the common rail the same color all the time while changing the color for the other rail in each block is also an option. 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. I will make a note here. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. Our community is FREE to join. The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. 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. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales.