Effort. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! It does not work with O27. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. 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. no it isn't. 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 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! Why Sign In? Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. 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. CW80 Transformer. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). First, a few general notes about choosing wire. 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. 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. Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. (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. Doug, there's definitely room for the liberal arts approach to the hobby--I have a journalism degree; how I became a computer technician was pretty much an accident. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. Effort. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. In some cases. 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 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. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. And that means theyre affordable. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. 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 I suggest that you proactively lay an 10-2 AWG NM cable (or at least 12-2) along the track and tap into it as needed to keep the voltage up. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. Thanks! 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. Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Mike to the forum. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. 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. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. On a large loop of track you will need to have multiple drops, hook-ups, to the transformer because if you only have one hook up the train will get slower the father away it gets from the transformer. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. 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. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. I have had the same problem. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. 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. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. OTTS Founder The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. 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. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. 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. 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. If you like, tell us more about yourself. For many first-time train buyers, once the initial excitement of setting up the train and watching it run has passed, the desire to make it do more usually begins. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". Serious or fatal injuries may result. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. --I need a station for the train to stop at. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. Just not quite as much. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. Can't plug into outlet? 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. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. 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. 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. :-). Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. Price Received. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. 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. 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. 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. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? Transformer sizing for new systems 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. 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. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. Our community is FREE to join. What do I need to do that with? What size Lionel transformer do I need? 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)! If they do, follow their recommendations. 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. These can all have uses for your layout. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. 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. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). Been there, done that. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. 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. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. 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. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. 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. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. 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 unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. 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.
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what size lionel transformer do i need