As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! DCS Power Supplies | MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information Amazon.com: Lionel Transformer 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. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. 7 Best Transformer For Model Railway - LEDS.CC Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. Calculating transformer size for layout size - Classic Toy - Trains All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. 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. A Veteran, whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life.". That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. To determine the required transformer VA, multiply the secondary voltage by the required amperes: For example, VA=Volts x Amperes or 28V x 1.2 amperes = 33.6 VA. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. 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. what size lionel transformer do i need - senatlaevproducts.com Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. JavaScript is disabled. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. 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). Model train transformer- 6 steps to understanding how they work 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. Just not quite as much. 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. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. 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. I have one R transformer from which I run everything - but only 1 train at a time and a few accessories for a layout in a space about 24 by 10 ft. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. What gauge wire is used for Lionel trains? - Sage-Advices Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. Transformer Calculator KVA Calculator Full Load Amps Calculator Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 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. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. This will solve the slowdown problem. 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. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? 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 Transformer Size Calculator - Electram $2799. Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. Mike to the forum. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. To participate you must either login or register for an account. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. Are you running command or conventional? (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. Getting Started - 3 RAIL TRAINS 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. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. The fraction of your transformer's power lost in the track will therefore be well under 10 percent, since it is proportional to the voltage drop. --I need a station for the train to stop at. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. 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. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. And that means theyre affordable. 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. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. The multi-conductor wire is also available. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. 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. Sign-up for email today! 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! 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. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. If you like fixing things, fixing an old transformer is rewarding. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. Handbook of layout wiring | Classic Toy Trains Magazine 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 is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). Effort. (10 lights X . Big Ed Railroad Tycoon Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Our community is FREE to join. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. 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. 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. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. 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 I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. no it isn't. 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. 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. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. Serious or fatal injuries may result. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! For a transformer less or equal to 500 kilovolt-amperes, a typical %Z impedance may vary between 2.3% and 5.2% based on the voltage level. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! Some people even find it fun. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. Some great beginner accessories are the #12052 Fastrack Highway Signal set, which is a set of highway signals that blink as the train goes by. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. 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. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. 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. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. "What size wire should I use?" It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. 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. Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. What size Lionel transformer do I need? The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. 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. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Also, you must have a built-in circuit breaker to prevent a short circuit from causing permanent damage to the power supply or the trains. 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 youre comfortable doing some work yourself, you can buy a fixer-upper, and my informational links will tell you more about fixing one yourself. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. 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. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. They are fun to have. If the system's train transformer is run in Europe with a step-down transformer alone (converting only voltage from 230V to 115V AC at a 50 Hz), it may not operate as intended. You must be signed in to continue. 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. 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. M3103. 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. 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. Three conductor wire is common for household use. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. 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 Model Train Track & Transformer at Lionel Trains I really doubt you will need more than that. 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. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. 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. 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. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. 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. 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 was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. 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. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. 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. Lionel Electric Toy Train Transformer Identification Guide Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. Smaller layouts (a typical 4 foot by 8 foot being a good example) can usually get by with Number16 since the length of the run from the power supply to the track is never more than a few feet. They run on three rail track. What type is your old transformer? Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. 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. What does a Lionel transformer do? [:)]. 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 you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. 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. 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. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. 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. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. How to Properly Size a Transformer | Behler-Young Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. 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. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! The smaller the number, the larger the wire. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. If the voltage drop in the track is more than a small fraction of the transformer voltage, that is, a volt or two, you are going to have trouble running the trains anyway. Why Do Lionel Trains Have 3 Rails? | Worldwide Rails All about the Lionel ZW - The Silicon Underground Lionel uses red and black (red always for the center rail, black for the two outer rails) as a standard in its instructions and most 3-Rail O Gauge layouts are probably wired this way. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. 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. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers for sale | eBay $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. Faq No: 1029 Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. how much track can a transformer handle? | Model Train Forum 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! 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.
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