"What size wire should I use?" How to open tamper resistant outlets, Xxcopy vs Xcopy: Command line copy utilities, Where to connect the red wire to a light switch, Brains 25 cents: The story behind the meme. When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. Different wiring projects call for different standards. 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). Lionel Ready-to-Play is a large sized train that's made to be affordable and easy-to-use for both kids and adults alike. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. 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. Serious or fatal injuries may result. 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. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). 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. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. 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. 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. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). This is interesting stuff. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. 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. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. 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. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. . --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! 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. What do I need to do that with? The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. If you are wiring with a common rail for your blocks, then keeping the common rail the same color all the time while changing the color for the other rail in each block is also an option. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I Peter Fenzel 306 subscribers Subscribe 11K views 3 years ago Lionel 1033 Transformer gets cleaned up, a new power cord, a new whistle rectifier. It does not work with O27. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. 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. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 sheet of plywood, a 90 watt Lionel 1033 or 1042 is an excellent choice. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. the amount of track is not what is important here. 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. 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. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. 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. 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. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. What size Lionel transformer do I need? The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. 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. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. Its a good transformer. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. 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. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. 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. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. White and black are common selections. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. 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. 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. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. 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. 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. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. Both are lighted. 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 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. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Price Received. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. I will make a note here. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. 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 As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. In some cases. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. 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. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 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. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. Thanks! Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. Effort. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. JavaScript is disabled. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. The only time you might not get your full moneys worth is during operation of locomotives equipped with Lionels TMCC or MTHs DCS command-control systems. 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. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. (10 lights X . Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. The KW has constant voltage outputs for accessories, the ZW don't have that feature just four handles for supplying power to four tracks or accessories if you like, both have whistle & direction feature. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. We're sorry. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. UpBright 18V AC/DC Adapter Compatible with Lionel O Gauge Fastrack 10" Remote Control Terminal Straight LionChief System Track 6-1923100 HKYF45-180230T-US DC18V 2300mA 18VDC Power Supply Cord Charger. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, so you'll need to consider what you want to do and measure your options accordingly. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. :-). 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! 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. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. A rule of thumb from the elders, (I had to go to the mountain top for this one), Add 2 more watts for Spankybird's fun-filled layout! 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.". Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. M3103. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. 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. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. 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. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. The smaller the number, the larger the wire. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. Been there, done that. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. 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.