what size lionel transformer do i need

It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. Effort. 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 must be signed in to continue. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. 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. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! 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. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. 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. Some people even find it fun. Mike to the forum. The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. This is interesting stuff. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. 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. 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. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. 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. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. (10 lights X . Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. If mixing both non-command as well as command engines, both by the way will run without any thing other than the appropriate transformer, it really depends on the budget. 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. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. 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. Its a good transformer. They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. Can't plug into outlet? A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. 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. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? 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. They are reasonably durable and were popular in their day, which means there are still a lot of them floating around so they tend to be inexpensive. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. Model train power falls into one of three categories. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. Its a bargain at that price. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. Safety first. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. 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. On a large loop of track you will need to have multiple drops, hook-ups, to the transformer because if you only have one hook up the train will get slower the father away it gets from the transformer. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. Both are lighted. Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. M3103. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. electronically controlled outputs. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. 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. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. 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. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. They are fun to have. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. It does not work with O27. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) 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. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. what size lionel transformer do i need. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. 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 :-). Ive written more about the Lionel ZW here. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. Just not quite as much. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. There is the 12030 Figure-8 set, which along with the track included in your set makes your layout into this: Figure-8s are great because they create a crossing, giving the appearance of a railroad junction, they break up the oval, and the parts to create them are relatively cheap. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. 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). The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. 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. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. That means there are lots of them. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? Effort. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. 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. I really doubt you will need more than that. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . If you like fixing things, fixing an old transformer is rewarding. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). 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. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. 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. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. JavaScript is disabled. Price Received. I am assuming that your starter set came with either o27, brown ties, or 031, black ties, track and it runs well as is. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. 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 Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct Ill try to find a link to it for you. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. 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. 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. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. So far, I haven't seen any way to do this except to take amp measurements or just wing it and see how hot your transformer gets. 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. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Actually the choice of transformer is secondary to the choice of control systems since you can operate O gauge trains with most any good modern transformer. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. RemembertheVeterans. 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. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. 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. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! Never had a problem. Many will still run on the track in your starter set, but because they are scale sized, the bodies of these cars may be slightly wider and longer than those in your set. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. $2799. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. no it isn't. 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. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam 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. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. Price Received. 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?. 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. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. 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. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. 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. God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. A while back, approximately 2 weeks ago while running two very lengthy loops of fast track an old transformer nearly fried (50 years old) one of my wires that I was running to my Fastrac. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. 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). Serious or fatal injuries may result. This thing has more power then I will ever need. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. 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. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. 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. 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. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. 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. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. Extending the Reach of Your Power Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. 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. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. 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. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on OTTS Founder A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. --I need a station for the train to stop at. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. 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. When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). CW80 Transformer. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". 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? 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. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder 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. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. They run on three rail track. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. 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. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. 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. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience.

what size lionel transformer do i need 2023