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. Classification/marker lights on the PRR steam engine, For Sale: Lionel 6-11127 Legacy Southern Pacific GS-4 Daylight, Lionel Bethlehem Steel slag car and ATLAS NYC Baggage car, Lionel O 2333790 TrainWorld & RBP Trains Chris Raines -Exclusive - Katy LEGACY ES44AC #2021, Converting MTH Rail king GS-4 PROTO 2 to ERR Cruise Commander, The Harpers Ferry Layout II - Backdrop panels completed. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. They are fun to have. Some people even find it fun. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. 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. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. 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. DCS Power Supplies | MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! 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. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? Why Do Lionel Trains Have 3 Rails? | Worldwide Rails The first Lionel electric trains were powered by wet-cell batteries, which were, of course, dangerous. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Its a good transformer. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. 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. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. the amount of track is not what is important here. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. [:)]. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! Extending the Reach of Your Power A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. Price Received. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. That means there are lots of them. Ive talked more about the KW here. 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. Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. While it is tempting to go with the biggest wire possible to guarantee excess capacity, there are drawbacks to putting in more than you need. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. 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. Just not quite as much. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. It does not work with O27. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? Never had a problem. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. PDF Lionel CW-80 Transformer Owner's Manual - thomconte.com The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. 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. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). 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. Price Received. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 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. Faq No: 1029 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. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. 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. Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. 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. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. A. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. 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 transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. 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. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. If they do, follow their recommendations. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct First, a few general notes about choosing wire. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". Are you running command or conventional? The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . 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. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube What size Lionel transformer do I need? All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. 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. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. how much track can a transformer handle? | Model Train Forum 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. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! This will solve the slowdown problem. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. 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. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. 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. 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. The least expensive power supply you should consider is the Lionel CW80 Transformer; you can buy a new one for about $150 or a used on one eBay for about $60. Expanding Your Lionel Starter Set - Trainz Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. 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. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. 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 this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! Model train power falls into one of three categories. This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. 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. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. This thing has more power then I will ever need. American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. 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. 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. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. Just not quite as much. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. Our community is FREE to join. 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. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. 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. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made?