what size lionel transformer do i need

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. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. 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. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. 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. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. Some people even find it fun. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. 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. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Extending the Reach of Your Power 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. 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. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. 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. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. I know my train club had an issue with conventional locomotives not running properly on a layout with DCS and TMCC and apparently solved it by replacing a Lionel transformer with an MRC transformer that puts out a pure sine wave. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! . It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). Amazon.com: Lionel Transformer The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine 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. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. 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. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. 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. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). 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. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. Model train transformer- 6 steps to understanding how they work Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. Transformer Sizing Calculator If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. Price Received. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. the amount of track is not what is important here. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. The KW has constant voltage outputs for accessories, the ZW don't have that feature just four handles for supplying power to four tracks or accessories if you like, both have whistle & direction feature. 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. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. 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. That means there are lots of them. 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. Why Sign In? Effort. Problem with Rail King Protocol Sounds reversing unit, My D-190 Back in Action After Move to to NC, Caboose Identification - late era vintage, Continuing Saga Newtown Hardwrare House WIP. 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. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. You can also run Lionel TMCC/Legacy Command Engines using the MTH DCS system with the addition of a Lionel command base and an additional cable. RemembertheVeterans. 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. 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. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Transformer sizing for new systems Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube Serious or fatal injuries may result. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. 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. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. what size lionel transformer do i need. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. 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. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. 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. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. We're sorry. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. Do not use this device if water is present. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Past,presentand future. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. On the flip side, the new transformers do not seem to work as well with the prewar whistle tenders.Has anyone else noticed this anomaly? The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. You must be signed in to continue. They give a great deal of power in a single handled transformer, and if you run trains along with another person, it can be more convenient for you to both have a smaller transformer than for two people to huddle around a larger KW or ZW transformer and share its handles. Ive talked about why here. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. 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. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts.

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