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. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. Transformer Size Requirement? - Classic Toy Trains Magazine 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. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. Why Do Lionel Trains Have 3 Rails? | Worldwide Rails 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. That means there are lots of them. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. 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 greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. I have had the same problem. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. electronically controlled outputs. The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. Calculating transformer size for layout size - Classic Toy - Trains You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. Serious or fatal injuries may result. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. 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. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Lionel made these for years and kept them in production under a different model number well into the 1970s because it was a reliable, dependable design and had enough power for a typical starter set while leaving some room to grow. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. 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. 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 What size Lionel transformer do I need? - Tracks-movie.com Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. 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 first Lionel electric trains were powered by wet-cell batteries, which were, of course, dangerous. What do I need to do that with? If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. I recently read an article/product review in the OGR magazine for the new Lioneltransformerand wassurprisedto learn that not all voltage outputwave-formsare created equal (pure sine wave versus some type of clipped sine wave). 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. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. 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. What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). 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. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. How to Properly Size a Transformer | Behler-Young Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. 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. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. 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. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. 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). Model train transformer- 6 steps to understanding how they work The KW has constant voltage outputs for accessories, the ZW don't have that feature just four handles for supplying power to four tracks or accessories if you like, both have whistle & direction feature. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . Our community is FREE to join. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on Ive written more about the Lionel ZW here. They run on three rail track. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Mike to the forum. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? 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. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. Effort. 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. 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. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. RemembertheVeterans. 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. 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.