what size lionel transformer do i need

I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. What size Lionel transformer do I need? 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. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. Been there, done that. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. If youre comfortable doing some work yourself, you can buy a fixer-upper, and my informational links will tell you more about fixing one yourself. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. JavaScript is disabled. I've had light 'arguments' with fellow hobbyists claiming most of their fellows are predominantly technically - oriented vs. what I would consider is a more liberal artsy approach - any way it's a great balance. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. One rail is positive, the other negative. I covered the more common ones, but if you have another vintage Lionel transformer of more than 75 watts and its in good condition, theres no reason not to use it. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. :-). Choosing the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains - The Spruce Crafts We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. 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. They have everything you need for a basic setup, and the larger ones are capable of running the smaller layouts you see in the train magazines, so they have some room for growth. 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 RemembertheVeterans. If you're experiencing problems with your wiring due to humidity, for example, you are going to face even greater issues with the trains and tracks themselves. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. [:)]. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. They run on three rail track. A. 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. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! Transformer Size Requirement? - Classic Toy Trains Magazine Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. 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. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. 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 best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. 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. How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp 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. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). 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. Price Received. 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. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. 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 other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. Price Received. Transformer sizing for new systems The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. 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. Why Do Lionel Trains Have 3 Rails? | Worldwide Rails Mike to the forum. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! Ive talked more about the KW here. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. Some great beginner accessories are the #12052 Fastrack Highway Signal set, which is a set of highway signals that blink as the train goes by. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. If you like, tell us more about yourself. CW80 Transformer. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. 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. 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. 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 larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. What lionel transformer do i need - Go Quick Qna Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. Extending the Reach of Your Power The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. 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. 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). Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. 7 Best Transformer For Model Railway - LEDS.CC Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. Model Train Scales & Gauges: The Lionel Trains Guide Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! 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. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. 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. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. Ill try to find a link to it for you. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. You can also run Lionel TMCC/Legacy Command Engines using the MTH DCS system with the addition of a Lionel command base and an additional cable. 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. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. The smaller the number, the larger the wire. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . 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. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. --I need a station for the train to stop at. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. If you like fixing things, fixing an old transformer is rewarding. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. Why Sign In? Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. 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. 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. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). 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. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. Its a bargain at that price. the amount of track is not what is important here.

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