what size lionel transformer do i need what size lionel transformer do i need

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. Never had a problem. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. If you like fixing things, fixing an old transformer is rewarding. 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. Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. 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. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. 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. 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. 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. $2799. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. Join Today! To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. 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. 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. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! 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. Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. If you make a complete loop of 100 feet with good track joints, you'll have something like .1 ohm from the transformer to the farthest point, using the rule of thumb that most track is something like 16 AWG wire (.004 ohms per foot) and that there are two 50 foot tracks feeding the farthest point from two directions. 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. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. 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. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. 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. 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. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. 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. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. 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. If they do, follow their recommendations. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). 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. 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 same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. Mike to the forum. 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. That transformer will only prolly handle 1 engine and depending on how long it is will depend on how many extra feeders you will need around the layout. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. 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. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. Ive talked about why here. You must be signed in to continue. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. editors report that most of the wiring issues they address involve basic principles of electricity - the stuff that Ben Franklin played with when he flew his kite. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. 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. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. If you add a lot of track and find that your train slows down as it gets farther from your transformer, you will need to run jumper wires to the opposite side of your track layout. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. We're sorry. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. 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. The multi-conductor wire is also available. 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. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). no it isn't. 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. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. "What size wire should I use?" The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. RemembertheVeterans. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. 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. 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]. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. 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. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam 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. I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. 40-200 20 Watt DC Transformer - Small DC transformer suitable for powering a single HO diesel or steam locomotive equipped with Proto-Sound 3.0. Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . 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 modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Why Sign In? (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. :-). The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. Price Received. But it is important to take a close look at the cars to make sure that they are a good match for your set. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. 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). 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). The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. --I need a station for the train to stop at. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. This will solve the slowdown problem. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! . I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. 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. Serious or fatal injuries may result. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. 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. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive.