Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. 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. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) 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. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. 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. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. 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. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! Why Sign In? For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. This means that they are not exact 1:48 replicas of the real thing but instead are selectively compressed to negotiate the tight turns of regular Lionel track. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. It does not work with O27. Transformer sizing for new systems Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). Big Ed Railroad Tycoon 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. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! Serious or fatal injuries may result. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. And that means theyre affordable. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Join Today! Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. Some people even find it fun. The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. 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. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. 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. There is the 12030 Figure-8 set, which along with the track included in your set makes your layout into this: Figure-8s are great because they create a crossing, giving the appearance of a railroad junction, they break up the oval, and the parts to create them are relatively cheap. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. Just get a Lionel #12053 Accessory wire set and enough extra wire to connect from the wire set back to your transformer [speaker wire works well]. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. 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. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. Price Received. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. 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. 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. Its a good transformer. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. The KW has constant voltage outputs for accessories, the ZW don't have that feature just four handles for supplying power to four tracks or accessories if you like, both have whistle & direction feature. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. Transformer Sizing Calculator Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. OTTS Founder These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Reverse the above if planning to run mostly Lionel and go with the Lionel command system, either the full Legacy system or the upcoming CAB-1L and just add a Track Power Controller and a cable to run most MTH engines in conventional with the Lionel systems. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. 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. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. That means there are lots of them. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). Today Lionel includes the same basic track oval in all starter sets8 36-inch diameter curve sections, 3 10 straight track sections, and 1 10 straight terminal section, which create this layout: Until recently, to add to this layout, you would need to buy separate straight, curved, and other track sections and wing it in creating a larger setup. If you want a spur track to store an extra car or two, Lionel makes another expansion set [#12044] that does just that: Note that this set includes one switch which is the track section that makes the track diverge onto two separate routes. Serving these devices with their own dedicated supply will not only allow you to supply them with a proper constant voltage, but it will also free your main power supply to handle the load of the train itself. 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. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. What lionel transformer do i need - Go Quick Qna I really doubt you will need more than that. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Thanks! Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 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. CW80 Transformer. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. 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. 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. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. Past,presentand future. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. Our transformer sizing calculator allows you to obtain the minimum single or three-phase transformer size required based on the load you need to power. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! 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. LGB FAQs : Power The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. 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. 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. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. 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. 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. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. 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. Price Received. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Transformer Size Calculator - Electram Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. 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. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. 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. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. This is why my wife loves me so. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers for sale | eBay The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . Mike to the forum. However, if you begin adding more than 1 or 2 cars, be sure to get some extra track, or your longer train will be chasing its tail very quickly. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. 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. 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. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. 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. To participate you must either login or register for an account. 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 Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. Extending the Reach of Your Power The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. JavaScript is disabled. Of all the questions fielded by the staff of Classic Toy Trains, inquiries regarding layout wiring top the list.While you might expect numerous questions regarding complex techniques or new technologies, CTT. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. 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. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. The multi-conductor wire is also available. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! They are reasonably durable and were popular in their day, which means there are still a lot of them floating around so they tend to be inexpensive. All about the Lionel ZW - The Silicon Underground The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! 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. 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. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. 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. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. 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. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. Effort. Handbook of layout wiring | Classic Toy Trains Magazine What size Lionel transformer do I need? - Tracks-movie.com I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. Classification/marker lights on the PRR steam engine, For Sale: Lionel 6-11127 Legacy Southern Pacific GS-4 Daylight, Lionel Bethlehem Steel slag car and ATLAS NYC Baggage car, Lionel O 2333790 TrainWorld & RBP Trains Chris Raines -Exclusive - Katy LEGACY ES44AC #2021, Converting MTH Rail king GS-4 PROTO 2 to ERR Cruise Commander, The Harpers Ferry Layout II - Backdrop panels completed. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. Regardless of your scale, all model railroad switch machines fall into one of two categories, a slow-motion electric motor or a "twin coil" relay. RemembertheVeterans. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. 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). (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. 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. That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. 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. 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. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? 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. electronically controlled outputs. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. 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. Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. no it isn't. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam Are you running command or conventional? Lionel made these for years and kept them in production under a different model number well into the 1970s because it was a reliable, dependable design and had enough power for a typical starter set while leaving some room to grow. 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. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. 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. 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. Classic Toy Trains magazine offers information about toy trains operating and collecting, toy train product news and reviews, toy train layout tips, toy train layout designs and track plans, and more. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. Both are lighted. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. Do not use this device if water is present. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. 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. As the kit grows and you start putting in turnouts (or the point switching systems) to move your train from one track to another track, you will not only need more than 1 transformer, you will. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. 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. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. 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)! Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. They are fun to have. 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! If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. DCS Power Supplies | MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. . Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. They run on three rail track. On the flip side, the new transformers do not seem to work as well with the prewar whistle tenders.Has anyone else noticed this anomaly? This thing has more power then I will ever need. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. Lionels HO Gauge items are back!

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