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. Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers for sale | eBay 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. 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. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. 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. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! 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. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. Ive talked more about the KW here. What do I need to do that with? 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. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. The multi-conductor wire is also available. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. Our community is FREE to join. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! 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. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. the amount of track is not what is important here. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. Effort. 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). 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. 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. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. $2799. 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. God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. 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]. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. 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. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. 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. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. Price Received. 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. Join Today! Lionels HO Gauge items are back! A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. To participate you must either login or register for an account. 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. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. But after a little while, you will likely want your train to do more, and youll start thinking along these lines: --It sure would be neat if it did more than run in a circle. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. The fraction of your transformer's power lost in the track will therefore be well under 10 percent, since it is proportional to the voltage drop. Dave, the nice thing about Lionel transformers is you can run them until the bimetallic breaker pops and then you let it cool and you are back in action (after shutting a few things down)! For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Amazon.com: Lionel O Gauge Transformer The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. Extending the Reach of Your Power Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. 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. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 They run on three rail track. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. 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. In most cases, because we are dealing with relatively low voltage and amperage and in a normally stable temperature and humidity climates, our wiring does not require any extra insulation. White and black are common selections. 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. 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. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. 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. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". 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. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). I am assuming that your starter set came with either o27, brown ties, or 031, black ties, track and it runs well as is. Are you running command or conventional? Actually it was a train show with varied trains of all different eras being run I have mostly MTH trains though and they wouldn't run because the transformer that was running wasn't powerful enough to cycle through my MTH trainsounds. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. This is why my wife loves me so. "What size wire should I use?" Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. 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. no it isn't. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. If you add feeders to the track at the farthest point (remember to get the same wire to the same rails) you will not slow down at the farthest point. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. Classic Toy Trains magazine offers information about toy trains operating and collecting, toy train product news and reviews, toy train layout tips, toy train layout designs and track plans, and more. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. 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. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. Thanks! The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. electronically controlled outputs. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. 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. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. 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. 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. Getting Started - 3 RAIL TRAINS Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. 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. American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). Faq No: 1029 It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. Model Train Scales & Gauges: The Lionel Trains Guide Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. There was a video by Mike Reagan from Lionel about better smoke output from a chopped wave transformer, but the pure sine wave didn't cause any operational issues. Model train power falls into one of three categories. . 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. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. If you like, tell us more about yourself. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. 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. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube 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. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. Just not quite as much. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 (or smaller) sheet of plywood, a 90-wattLionel 1033 or 1044 is an excellent choice. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. Model train transformer- 6 steps to understanding how they work Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. 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! Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. 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. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. If the system's train transformer is run in Europe with a step-down transformer alone (converting only voltage from 230V to 115V AC at a 50 Hz), it may not operate as intended. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. 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. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? Why Sign In? Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions.
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