And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. 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 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. I really doubt you will need more than that. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. 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. What do I need to do that with? A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. (10 lights X . We're sorry. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. 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. 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. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. I have had the same problem. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. They run on three rail track. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? One rail is positive, the other negative. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. 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). I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. 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. 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. Some people even find it fun. Lionel Fastrack Track System O Scale Trains | Lionel Fastrack for Sale Smaller layouts (a typical 4 foot by 8 foot being a good example) can usually get by with Number16 since the length of the run from the power supply to the track is never more than a few feet. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. 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. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. what size lionel transformer do i need. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. Join Today! June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! This is why my wife loves me so. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. Transformer Calculator KVA Calculator Full Load Amps Calculator Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. 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. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America Price Received. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. 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. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. M3103. Been there, done that. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp Why Do Lionel Trains Have 3 Rails? | Worldwide Rails As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! RemembertheVeterans. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! Model Train Track & Transformer at Lionel Trains Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay . They are fun to have. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. DCS Power Supplies | MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers for sale | eBay Our community is FREE to join. Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. 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. 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. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. 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. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. I've read that it is good practice to add feeders every 10 sections of track or sothat seems like a lot but I suppose that beats having "dead" spots in the track. 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). 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 CW-80 is a nice little transformer, has accessory output as well,but as you have stated you will outgrow the CW-80 pretty quick. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. 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. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. 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. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. 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. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. 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. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. PDF Lionel CW-80 Transformer Owner's Manual - thomconte.com TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. 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. Do not use this device if water is present. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. Effort. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. 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. It does not work with O27. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. 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. 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. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. What does a Lionel transformer do? IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? 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. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. To participate you must either login or register for an account. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. 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. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. Price Received. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. 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. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. 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. Are you running command or conventional? If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. Both are lighted. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. www.spankybird.shutterfly.com, God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. EXPLORE FasTrack 10" Straight Track 4-Pack 6-12032 $ 21.99 FasTrack Grade Crossing with Flashers 6-12052 $ 99.99 FasTrack O36 Curved Track 4-Pack 6-12033 $ 21.99 Legacy AMC-2 Motor Controller 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. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. 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. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? If you make a complete loop of 100 feet with good track joints, you'll have something like .1 ohm from the transformer to the farthest point, using the rule of thumb that most track is something like 16 AWG wire (.004 ohms per foot) and that there are two 50 foot tracks feeding the farthest point from two directions. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. 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. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. The old transformer is not really the problem, the problem is the supply wire, particularly under heavyload (or derailment without the benefit of a quicker breaker).
Mac Miller Pure Unreleased,
The Sanatorium Sarah Pearse Ending Explained,
Michael Egan Orland Park,
Route 3 Massachusetts Exits,
Articles W