Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. Starter set locomotives can pull up to 12 cars easily, and most can handle up to 20, so building a longer train will not harm your engine. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp 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. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. Calculating transformer size for layout size - Classic Toy - Trains The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. 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. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? This will solve the slowdown problem. 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. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. I really doubt you will need more than that. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. This is why my wife loves me so. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. Anyway if it takes me 100 years to finish this thing one thing is for sure I will not have to worry about powering anything and everything. 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. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. 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. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. 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 And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. [:)]. But it is important to take a close look at the cars to make sure that they are a good match for your set. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. Although not necessarily a mandated standard, white, black and or red are used for track power on most layouts - if for no other reason than these colors are easiest to find. 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. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. Past,presentand future. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. I have a basement that offers an 18" concrete ledge that goes around theentire perimeter of the house that lends itself perfectly to a neat layout. Lionel Trains: Value, History and What Collectors Should Know The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. 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. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. As cheap as the 1033 is, if youre going to buy a transformer, you might as well pay a few dollars more to get a 1033. Effort. 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. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers for sale | eBay One rail is positive, the other negative. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. 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. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. 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. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. 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. what size lionel transformer do i need. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. Why Sign In? Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. 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. Hello All: Another simple way of doing it, Only load the transformer to 75% of it's capacity, or take your total load & multiply by 125% for proper transformer sizing. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. 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. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). 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. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. $2799. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. 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. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. The Lionel RW also happens to be a great transformer for Marx or American Flyer trains too, when you connect the track leads to the B and U posts instead of the A and U posts youd normally use for most Lionel setups. DCS Power Supplies | MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. . The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube :-). 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. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). Faq No: 1029 THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". 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. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. 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. Effort. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. If they do, follow their recommendations. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. 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. It does not work with O27. 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. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. Are you running command or conventional? 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. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. Just not quite as much. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. They are fun to have. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. Its a bargain at that price. I have had the same problem. 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. Do not use this device if water is present. 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 Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. 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. It is 5" long. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. 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. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. 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. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. OTTS Founder
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