Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? Price Received. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. Past,presentand future. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. LGB FAQs : Power Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. Handbook of layout wiring | Classic Toy Trains Magazine If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. 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. Ive talked about why here. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. They are fun to have. 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 Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. 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. M3103. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. Price Received. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. 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. CW80 Transformer. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. Some people even find it fun. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. 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. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. 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. 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. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. My layout I am building is 5 sheets of 4x8 plywood and it will probaly take me 100 years to build it (I hope I have that much time left). 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. Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! 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. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. Transformer Size Calculator - Electram As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. 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 BASICS "O", "S", "HO". God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. 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. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. 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 insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. What do I need to do that with? All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed 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. Price Received. The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. 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. It would be advantageous if OGR magazine would put an article together comparing the major manufacturers transformers output waveform compatibility/ incompatibilitywith the various manufacturer's locomotives - Atlas O, Weaver, 3rd Rail, MTH , Lionel etc and conventional , DCS , TMCC, Legacy command control. 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. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. Of course, if you happen to have enough Number12 wire left over from a home renovation project to install all the buses on your small layout, it won't do any harm. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. 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. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Take the hint. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. 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. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. Never had a problem. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. 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. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. To participate you must either login or register for an account. 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. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. 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. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. Price Received. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. 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. 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. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. [:)]. 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. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. 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. 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. You must be signed in to continue. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 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. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. How to correctly size a transformer | Consulting - Specifying Engineer Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. 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. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. 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. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. how much track can a transformer handle? | Model Train Forum In some cases. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Its a good transformer. Price Received. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? Daniel Defense firearms, parts and accessories, http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=9670, http://www.modeltrainforum.com/album.php?u=2334, 14X16 Switching style [url]http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=8241, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkMHvbckuBLo3pJN1FGE1Gg. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. 10 Easy Ways to Improve a Christmas Train Display, Wiring a Model Railroad for Block Operation, How to Build and Wire Reverse Loops for Model Trains, How to Choose the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains, Compatibility of Different Model Train Brands, HO Scale Track Plans for Model Train Layouts, buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. 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. On a large loop of track you will need to have multiple drops, hook-ups, to the transformer because if you only have one hook up the train will get slower the father away it gets from the transformer. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. Power Conversion for Lionel Trains and O-Gauge - KCC Scientific The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? 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. 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. Why Sign In? What size Lionel transformer do I need? - Tracks-movie.com 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. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Our community is FREE to join. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. Faq No: 1029 This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts - The Spruce Crafts What type is your old transformer? Thanks! Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. A Veteran, whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life.". 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. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. 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. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. View More! Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. what size lionel transformer do i need - senatlaevproducts.com If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? . Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. There was a video by Mike Reagan from Lionel about better smoke output from a chopped wave transformer, but the pure sine wave didn't cause any operational issues. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. 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 Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. what size lionel transformer do i need. 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. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. The multi-conductor wire is also available. Choosing the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains - The Spruce Crafts 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. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. 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 use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. I will make a note here. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! 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). 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. If you want to connect ten landscape lights to a magnetic transformer, and the lights use 30 watts each, you would need a 375 watt transformer. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. 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?. It is 5" long. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. RemembertheVeterans. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! If you like fixing things, fixing an old transformer is rewarding. 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? Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. 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. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. These can all have uses for your layout. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. 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. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. 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.
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