This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Never had a problem. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Effort. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. 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. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. Sign-up for email today! That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. Effort. Model Train Scales & Gauges: The Lionel Trains Guide It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. "What size wire should I use?" 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?. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. I know my train club had an issue with conventional locomotives not running properly on a layout with DCS and TMCC and apparently solved it by replacing a Lionel transformer with an MRC transformer that puts out a pure sine wave. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. 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. 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. 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. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. CW80 Transformer. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! Lionel Electric Toy Train Transformer Identification Guide What does a Lionel transformer do? You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. (10 lights X . Mike to the forum. 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 Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum 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. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Ive talked more about the KW here. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. Model Train Track & Transformer at Lionel Trains The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). Why Sign In? Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! 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). 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. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). 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. Its a bargain at that price. Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America Lionels HO Gauge items are back! With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. 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. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. For many first-time train buyers, once the initial excitement of setting up the train and watching it run has passed, the desire to make it do more usually begins. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. What size Lionel transformer do I need? All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. As the train goes by, the door to the shed opens and a figure pops out, and once the train has passed the figure re-enters the building and the door shuts. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. 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. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! Price Received. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. 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. OTTS Founder EXPLORE FasTrack 10" Straight Track 4-Pack 6-12032 $ 21.99 FasTrack Grade Crossing with Flashers 6-12052 $ 99.99 FasTrack O36 Curved Track 4-Pack 6-12033 $ 21.99 Legacy AMC-2 Motor Controller 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. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. 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 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. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. 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. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. Both are lighted. They give a great deal of power in a single handled transformer, and if you run trains along with another person, it can be more convenient for you to both have a smaller transformer than for two people to huddle around a larger KW or ZW transformer and share its handles. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. 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. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. Turn on the throttle, then short the A and U posts (in the case of Lionel) or variable and base posts (in the case of Flyer) with a screwdriver or a piece of wire for a maximum of five seconds. If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. The Lionel RW also happens to be a great transformer for Marx or American Flyer trains too, when you connect the track leads to the B and U posts instead of the A and U posts youd normally use for most Lionel setups. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam 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 If your track joints aren't near perfect or if you should want to split that loop into two blocks, you'll double the voltage drop. Our community is FREE to join. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? Safety first. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. $2799. What do I need to do that with? The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. The first Lionel electric trains were powered by wet-cell batteries, which were, of course, dangerous. 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. What gauge wire is used for Lionel trains? - Sage-Advices Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. 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. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. 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. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. its the amount of engines you need to worry about, I'm currently running my entire layout on a single DC power supply that came with an Athearn engine/track set. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. What size Lionel transformer do I need? - Tracks-movie.com View More! Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. Thanks! Big Ed Railroad Tycoon Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. If you like fixing things, fixing an old transformer is rewarding. 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. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. 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. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? 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. This is why my wife loves me so. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. 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! Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. 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. Model train transformer- 6 steps to understanding how they work Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. The higher powered units would not meet todays safety standards as issued by Underwriters Laboratories. Faq No: 1029 Just connect the jumper wires to the same connections on the back of your transformer as your original connections, and make sure that the wires are not crossed. It does not work with O27. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Getting Started - 3 RAIL TRAINS 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. 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. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. [:)]. Which Lionel transformer do I need? - The Silicon Underground For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. no it isn't. . Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. 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. Extending the Reach of Your Power Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. 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. First, a few general notes about choosing wire. 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. Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). what size lionel transformer do i need - senatlaevproducts.com the amount of track is not what is important here. Calculating transformer size for layout size - Classic Toy - Trains These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. I have a basement that offers an 18" concrete ledge that goes around the entire perimeter of the house that lends itself perfectly to a neat layout. Lionel Trains: Value, History and What Collectors Should Know HO gauge is very popular because of its size. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. 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. Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. 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. 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. How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. Different wiring projects call for different standards. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. 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. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. 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. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later.