It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. M3103. 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. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. 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 iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. 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. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! what size lionel transformer do i need. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Model Train Track & Transformer at Lionel Trains From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. 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. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). Lionel Trains: Value, History and What Collectors Should Know Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. Mike to the forum. 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. I will make a note here. How to Properly Size a Transformer | Behler-Young Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. Do not use this device if water is present. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. If you like, tell us more about yourself. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. 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 Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! Model train transformer- 6 steps to understanding how they work LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. Which Lionel transformer do I need? - The Silicon Underground A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. 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 accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Sign-up for email today! 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. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. 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. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. 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 What do I need to do that with? Just not quite as much. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. 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. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. Well Mike what I am about to suggest may be a little pricy or at least it was for me but I have managed to buy a new Lionel ZW. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. 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. "What size wire should I use?" 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). what size lionel transformer do i need - senatlaevproducts.com :-). Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. Its a good transformer. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. What size Lionel transformer do I need? The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Price Received. 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 had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay For instance, a 100 kilovolt-ampere transformer with 8.32 kilovolts (or less) on the high side has a typical value of 2.6% impedance. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. 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. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. (10 lights X . DCS Power Supplies | MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. It does not work with O27. Ill try to find a link to it for you. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. JavaScript is disabled. 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. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. You don't really need a diagram -- you want to pick your interval (some would recommend as often as 3'), drill a hole down through your base, and connect a wire to a bus which runs beneath the layout and connects to your transformer (obviously, you need two wires, one for each powered rail). 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. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). Effort. Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. --I need a station for the train to stop at. 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. 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. You must be signed in to continue. 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. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. 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?. 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. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). 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 O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. Amazon.com: Lionel O Gauge Transformer I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. 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. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail).