To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. Three conductor wire is common for household use. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. Faq No: 1029 I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? 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. 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. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). 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. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. Model train power falls into one of three categories. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. Price Received. Extending the Reach of Your Power A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! Our community is FREE to join. 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. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. 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. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. . HO gauge is very popular because of its size. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. One rail is positive, the other negative. Hello All: Another simple way of doing it, Only load the transformer to 75% of it's capacity, or take your total load & multiply by 125% for proper transformer sizing. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. 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. 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. Well Mike what I am about to suggest may be a little pricy or at least it was for me but I have managed to buy a new Lionel ZW. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. It is 5" long. The first Lionel electric trains were powered by wet-cell batteries, which were, of course, dangerous. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. I will make a note here. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! I covered the more common ones, but if you have another vintage Lionel transformer of more than 75 watts and its in good condition, theres no reason not to use it. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. And that means theyre affordable. Mark. 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. Price Received. 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. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. 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. 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. What type is your old transformer? The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. 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. 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. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. 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. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. 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). How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. This is interesting stuff. 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. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). 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. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. 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. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. 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. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Just not quite as much. 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. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. 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. Effort. If they do, follow their recommendations. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. This will solve the slowdown problem. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. Safety first. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. 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. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. Serious or fatal injuries may result. The multi-conductor wire is also available. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered (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. What does a Lionel transformer do? Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. 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. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. Sign-up for email today! Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). 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 are fun to have. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. 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. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. 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. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. They run on three rail 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. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. Price Received. 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. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. 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. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. what size lionel transformer do i need. Daniel Defense firearms, parts and accessories, http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=9670, http://www.modeltrainforum.com/album.php?u=2334, 14X16 Switching style [url]http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=8241, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkMHvbckuBLo3pJN1FGE1Gg. 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. The only time you might not get your full moneys worth is during operation of locomotives equipped with Lionels TMCC or MTHs DCS command-control systems. 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. 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. 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. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. 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. Our community is FREE to join. 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. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. The Lionel RW also happens to be a great transformer for Marx or American Flyer trains too, when you connect the track leads to the B and U posts instead of the A and U posts youd normally use for most Lionel setups. Ive talked more about the KW here. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. Take the hint. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your.
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