The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. 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. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. Just like with your track bus and feeders, running an accessory bus of slightly heavier wire to connect to each light or accessory with a smaller feeder is a good plan. And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. 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! First, a few general notes about choosing wire. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. 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. This is interesting stuff. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. 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 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 can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. 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. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. what size lionel transformer do i need. Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Been there, done that. Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on 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. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. --I need a station for the train to stop at. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. Both are lighted. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. 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. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. 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. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. To participate you must either login or register for an account. For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! While it is tempting to go with the biggest wire possible to guarantee excess capacity, there are drawbacks to putting in more than you need. 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. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. Price Received. How to open tamper resistant outlets, Xxcopy vs Xcopy: Command line copy utilities, Where to connect the red wire to a light switch, Brains 25 cents: The story behind the meme. Thanks! 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). Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! Join Today! [:)]. 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. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. You must be signed in to continue. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. (10 lights X . Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. I really doubt you will need more than that. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. 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. Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! I have had the same problem. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. (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. editors report that most of the wiring issues they address involve basic principles of electricity - the stuff that Ben Franklin played with when he flew his kite. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. 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. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! 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. 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. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. Faq No: 1029 Its a bargain at that price. Effort. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. 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. CW80 Transformer. 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. 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. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. 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. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. The least expensive power supply you should consider is the Lionel CW80 Transformer; you can buy a new one for about $150 or a used on one eBay for about $60. 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. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. 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. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. And that means theyre affordable. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. 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. Price Received. 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. Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. 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. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Do not use this device if water is present. Model train power falls into one of three categories. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. 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. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. It is 5" long. 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. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. RemembertheVeterans. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. They are fun to have. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. Ill try to find a link to it for you. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. 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. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Price Received. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. Never had a problem. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! 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. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. 10 Easy Ways to Improve a Christmas Train Display, Compatibility of Different Model Train Brands, How to Build and Wire Reverse Loops for Model Trains, Wiring a Model Railroad for Block Operation, Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts, Model Train Track Grades and Maximum Grade Issues. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". 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. A. Dave, you're so eloquent and inspiring - my undergraduate degree was in American Studies, now I'm in charge of among other things all our college's technology - also self-taught.. Hello All: Re: Dave Farquhar, Dave you left out sense of humor Regards Steve. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. 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. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. 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. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. 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. 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. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! 40-200 20 Watt DC Transformer - Small DC transformer suitable for powering a single HO diesel or steam locomotive equipped with Proto-Sound 3.0. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. White and black are common selections. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. 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. 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. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. If youre going to run more than one train, you can pair up two smaller transformers, or you can look at the two-handled transformers. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. 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. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered :-). Ive written more about the Lionel ZW here. They run on three rail track. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. That means there are lots of them. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. 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. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. $2799. 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. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. 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. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. In some cases. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. 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. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? 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. Some people even find it fun. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. 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. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. 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. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here.
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what size lionel transformer do i need