what size lionel transformer do i need

Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. Amazon.com: Lionel Transformer Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. 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. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. 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. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 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. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. While those locomotives and their sound systems are designed to operate using conventional transformers like your ZW, digital controllers are needed to activate additional features like special sound effects and coupler activation. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. JavaScript is disabled. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". $2799. So, if you want to connect eight landscape lights to an electronic transformer, and the lights use 20 watts each, you would need a 160 watt transformer. Safety first. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. 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. That means there are lots of them. 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. Price Received. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. Extending the Reach of Your Power Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts - The Spruce Crafts As your layout grows beyond the basic oval of track that comes with most starter sets, a good power distribution network is essential to getting consistent performance from your train all the way around. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. Ive talked about why here. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. 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 choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. These are all good, dependable transformers from the postwar era that are easy to find today, have adequate wattages ranging from 90-270 watts, have a circuit breaker for safety and have a whistle controller. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. 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. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. 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. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. 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. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? 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. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? 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. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. Lionel Electric Toy Train Transformer Identification Guide Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Transformer Size Requirement? - Classic Toy Trains Magazine PDF Lionel CW-80 Transformer Owner's Manual - thomconte.com For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine Effort. 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. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. Join Today! I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). 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. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. Model train power falls into one of three categories. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. 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. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. 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. Power Conversion for Lionel Trains and O-Gauge - KCC Scientific Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay Sign-up for email today! 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. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 What size Lionel transformer do I need? The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. Faq No: 1029 Lionels HO Gauge items are back! Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. How to correctly size a transformer | Consulting - Specifying Engineer This is why my wife loves me so. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. 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. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. A. They are fun to have. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. 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 also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. A Veteran, whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life.". 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. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. As the train goes by, the door to the shed opens and a figure pops out, and once the train has passed the figure re-enters the building and the door shuts. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. no it isn't. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. Thanks! God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. M3103. What size Lionel transformer do I need? - Tracks-movie.com To participate you must either login or register for an account. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. 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. 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. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. 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. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp 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? Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. Take the hint. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. Amazon.com: Lionel O Gauge Transformer The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. 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. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. However, if you begin to add lighted cars, or more than a couple accessories, you may find that your train will not run as fast, or that it will shut off entirely. Its a bargain at that price. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. The multi-conductor wire is also available. Just not quite as much. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. 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. 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. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. Can't plug into outlet? As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. Part of the Lionel line since the 1930s, the gateman today is offered not only with a regular railroad-type figure, but also in versions with Santa Claus and a nutcracker figure for the Christmas season. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. electronically controlled outputs. 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. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. If you plan to just run MTH go with their DCS system if you plan to have a number of different engines or the MTH DCS Remote Commander which is limited to running only one engine at a time. Why Do Lionel Trains Have 3 Rails? | Worldwide Rails 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. 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. 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. How to open tamper resistant outlets, Xxcopy vs Xcopy: Command line copy utilities, Where to connect the red wire to a light switch, Brains 25 cents: The story behind the meme. RemembertheVeterans. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. What type is your old transformer? I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. Mark. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. This will solve the slowdown problem. Price Received. Are you running command or conventional? Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. Ive talked more about the KW here. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. At auction, Lionel train sets, pieces, and accessories can sell for a few hundred dollars or for a few thousand dollars, depending on the rarity and condition of the piece. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. Turn on the throttle, then short the A and U posts (in the case of Lionel) or variable and base posts (in the case of Flyer) with a screwdriver or a piece of wire for a maximum of five seconds.

Kubota 3 Point Dethatcher, Matthew Failor Date Of Birth, Akc Virtual Obedience Titles, Articles W