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. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Just get a Lionel #12053 Accessory wire set and enough extra wire to connect from the wire set back to your transformer [speaker wire works well]. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. Transformer sizing for new systems Just not quite as much. 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. 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. 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. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. How to correctly size a transformer | Consulting - Specifying Engineer The higher powered units would not meet todays safety standards as issued by Underwriters Laboratories. 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. Transformer Size Requirement? - Classic Toy Trains Magazine 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. 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. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. Transformer Calculator KVA Calculator Full Load Amps Calculator Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. 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. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. They run on three rail track. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. 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. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. Why Sign In? . As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. Faq No: 1029 Also, you must have a built-in circuit breaker to prevent a short circuit from causing permanent damage to the power supply or the trains. As the kit grows and you start putting in turnouts (or the point switching systems) to move your train from one track to another track, you will not only need more than 1 transformer, you will. 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. 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. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. 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. What do I need to do that with? Effort. Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. Why Do Lionel Trains Have 3 Rails? | Worldwide Rails Amazon.com: Lionel O Gauge Transformer This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. 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. 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. 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. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. 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? 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. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. The first Lionel electric trains were powered by wet-cell batteries, which were, of course, dangerous. 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. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! what size lionel transformer do i need. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. 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. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. 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. Model Train Track & Transformer at Lionel Trains 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. Price Received. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. the amount of track is not what is important here. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. They have everything you need for a basic setup, and the larger ones are capable of running the smaller layouts you see in the train magazines, so they have some room for growth. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Safety first. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. 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. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. By creating alternate routes, more complex loops, and storage tracks, your trains will suddenly be even more interesting to watch and they will begin providing you the feeling that they are going somewhere and that you are running a small railroad. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. You must be signed in to continue. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. The smaller the number, the larger the wire. Price Received. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. 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 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Its a bargain at that price. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. If they do, follow their recommendations. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. Expanding Your Lionel Starter Set - Trainz 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. Just like with your track bus and feeders, running an accessory bus of slightly heavier wire to connect to each light or accessory with a smaller feeder is a good plan. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB 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. 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. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. 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). Our community is FREE to join. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. 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. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. I have had the same problem. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! 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. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. 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. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. If you want a spur track to store an extra car or two, Lionel makes another expansion set [#12044] that does just that: Note that this set includes one switch which is the track section that makes the track diverge onto two separate routes. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. How to Properly Size a Transformer | Behler-Young The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts - The Spruce Crafts Lionel Trains: Value, History and What Collectors Should Know When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. 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 preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. 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. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. This is interesting stuff. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. 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. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. 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. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Part of the Lionel line since the 1930s, the gateman today is offered not only with a regular railroad-type figure, but also in versions with Santa Claus and a nutcracker figure for the Christmas season. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. 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. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. Problem with Rail King Protocol Sounds reversing unit, My D-190 Back in Action After Move to to NC, Caboose Identification - late era vintage, Continuing Saga Newtown Hardwrare House WIP. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. 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. 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. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! To participate you must either login or register for an account. Mint-in-box examples of vintage Lionel trains are still valuable and will continue to appreciate in value over time, because there are so few of them. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. 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. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. 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 Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. 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. what size lionel transformer do i need - senatlaevproducts.com For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. RemembertheVeterans. What size Lionel transformer do I need? - Tracks-movie.com I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! (NEW/LIKE NEW), running TMCC And DCS engines with DCS handheld, terrible crash in Greece, multiple fatalities, Its.Public Delivery Track ..NEWSpecial run corner, Improving Appearance of 0-gauge Tubular Track. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! 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.
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