what size lionel transformer do i need

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. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Price Received. Just not quite as much. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. CW80 Transformer. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. 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. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Our community is FREE to join. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. 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. At auction, Lionel train sets, pieces, and accessories can sell for a few hundred dollars or for a few thousand dollars, depending on the rarity and condition of the piece. For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. 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. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. "What size wire should I use?" Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Effort. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. 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. 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. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! no it isn't. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. Why Sign In? It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. 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. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. 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. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. 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. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. 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. If you're experiencing problems with your wiring due to humidity, for example, you are going to face even greater issues with the trains and tracks themselves. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. OTTS Founder 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). 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! DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). I will make a note here. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. 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. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Kind Regards Steve, QUOTE: by Dave Has anyone here ever blown a transformer from hauling a double-headed Allegheny coal drag up a 2 percent grade?. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. 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. 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. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional 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. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. 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. Do not use this device if water is present. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. Mike to the forum. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? 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. I have one R transformer from which I run everything - but only 1 train at a time and a few accessories for a layout in a space about 24 by 10 ft. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. Our community is FREE to join. If mixing both non-command as well as command engines, both by the way will run without any thing other than the appropriate transformer, it really depends on the budget. To participate you must either login or register for an account. 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. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. 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. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. What type is your old transformer? VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. 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. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. Its a good transformer. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! 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. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. In some cases. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. 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. One rail is positive, the other negative. 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. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. This set also includes an uncoupling track section, which will disconnect cars from one another at the touch of a button, and a bumper, which keeps cars from rolling off the end of the track. 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 Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! 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. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. (10 lights X . These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. The smaller the number, the larger the wire. 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. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. 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. :-). . 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. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. RemembertheVeterans. A: According to Lionel's head of customer service, on the underside of their CW80 transformers, starting in late 2009, the vendor applied a sticker that states "QC50" on it. 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. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. They run on three rail track. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. We're sorry. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. View More! Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! 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. That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. Faq No: 1029 Dang, this math makes my head hurt. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. 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. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. 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. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. M3103. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27).

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