what size lionel transformer do i need

With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. 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. 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. 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. 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. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. 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. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. 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. (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. Price Received. Transformer sizing for new systems Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. OTTS Founder 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)! Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. Atlas and Bachmann have the same transformers with 80 watt outputs as well that get good reviews and would be appropriate for a smaller layout. 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. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. 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. 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. 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. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. The higher powered units would not meet todays safety standards as issued by Underwriters Laboratories. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. 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. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. It does not work with O27. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. If you want to connect ten landscape lights to a magnetic transformer, and the lights use 30 watts each, you would need a 375 watt transformer. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. "What size wire should I use?" Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. . The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. It would be advantageous if OGR magazine would put an article together comparing the major manufacturers transformers output waveform compatibility/ incompatibilitywith the various manufacturer's locomotives - Atlas O, Weaver, 3rd Rail, MTH , Lionel etc and conventional , DCS , TMCC, Legacy command control. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. That means there are lots of them. To participate you must either login or register for an account. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. 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). There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, so you'll need to consider what you want to do and measure your options accordingly. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! 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. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. And that means theyre affordable. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. They run on three rail track. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. 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 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. 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 I have had the same problem. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. This thing has more power then I will ever need. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. [:)]. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. Theres nothing inherently wrong with them, though I would shy away from the smaller transformers that are less than 75 watts, including the modern CW-40. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. 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. :-). 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. What size Lionel transformer do I need? 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. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. www.spankybird.shutterfly.com, God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? 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. Just not quite as much. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. Why Sign In? 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. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. White and black are common selections. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. 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. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. 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. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. 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. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. 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. 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. Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. Although not necessarily a mandated standard, white, black and or red are used for track power on most layouts - if for no other reason than these colors are easiest to find. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. Ill try to find a link to it for you. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. Safety first. In some cases. First, a few general notes about choosing wire. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. 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 more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". 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 Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. Join Today! Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. 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. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. 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'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. 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. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. Sign-up for email today! You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! 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. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! --I need a station for the train to stop at. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. 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.

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