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. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. Ive talked more about the KW here. 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. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? Just not quite as much. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. 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. 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. I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. 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. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. If you add feeders to the track at the farthest point (remember to get the same wire to the same rails) you will not slow down at the farthest point. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. 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. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. The first Lionel electric trains were powered by wet-cell batteries, which were, of course, dangerous. 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. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. The multi-conductor wire is also available. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. 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. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? While better starter sets usually include a more robust transformer, as a general rule the power pack supplied with your starter set is just thata start. Some people even find it fun. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. 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. Price Received. This is interesting stuff. 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. Price Received. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. 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. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. Different wiring projects call for different standards. 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. 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. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! The Best Technical and Innovative Podcasts you should Listen, Essay Writing Service: The Best Solution for Busy Students, 6 The Best Alternatives for WhatsApp for Android, The Best Solar Street Light Manufacturers Across the World, Ultimate packing list while travelling with your dog. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. 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. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. 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. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. Join Today! Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. Are you running command or conventional? All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. That means there are lots of them. 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. :-). Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). 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. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. Past,presentand future. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. 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 This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. 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. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. 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. 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. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. This is different from the stranded wire in that the different individual wires, each with their color-coded insulation, is placed inside a secondary insulation wrap. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! It does not work with O27. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. Ive talked about why here. 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 The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. 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. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Effort. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). To participate you must either login or register for an account. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. 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. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. 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. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. The smaller the number, the larger the wire. 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. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? Ill try to find a link to it for you. I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. I have a basement that offers an 18" concrete ledge that goes around the entire perimeter of the house that lends itself perfectly to a neat layout. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. 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. 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. 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. Its a bargain at that price. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. 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?. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. I've got around 320 ft of track between all of the mainline, sidings, etc and I don't have any problems running my engines anywhere on the layout. 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. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. 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. 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). As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. This is why my wife loves me so. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. 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 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. To build on the point you are running MTH trains and therefore will probably go DCS eventually: I would break the track into blocks of about 5 feet in length. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . 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. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. 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! 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). Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. And that means theyre affordable. 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. 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. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. 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. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track.
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