Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. $2799. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. 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. 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. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. 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. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. 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. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! But it is important to take a close look at the cars to make sure that they are a good match for your set. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. 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. 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. 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. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. Service/Tested $55.00 1 bid $14.06 shipping 1d 6h LIONEL TYPE (KW) TRAINMASTER TRANSFORMER FOR PARTS OR RESTORATION $17.05 4 bids $19.95 shipping 9h 23m It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Transformer Calculator KVA Calculator Full Load Amps Calculator 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. Handbook of layout wiring | Classic Toy Trains Magazine 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. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. --I need a station for the train to stop at. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. The KW used to be really expensive, but since Lionel started making big transformers again, you can get a KW for what a 1033 used to cost, which makes it a very nice bargain today on a rugged and powerful transformer with an impressive presence. 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. Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. Transformer Size Requirement? - Classic Toy Trains Magazine What size Lionel transformer do I need? There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America What do I need to do that with? The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". I will make a note here. They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. If the system's train transformer is run in Europe with a step-down transformer alone (converting only voltage from 230V to 115V AC at a 50 Hz), it may not operate as intended. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. This thing has more power then I will ever need. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. 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 amount of track is not what is important here. For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 (or smaller) sheet of plywood, a 90-watt Lionel 1033 or 1044 is an excellent choice. New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. I've read that it is good practice to add feeders every 10 sections of track or sothat seems like a lot but I suppose that beats having "dead" spots in the track. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. 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. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. Been there, done that. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. 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. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. 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. Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. If you add a lot of track and find that your train slows down as it gets farther from your transformer, you will need to run jumper wires to the opposite side of your track layout. what size lionel transformer do i need - senatlaevproducts.com I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. At an average 14 volts - this is 9x14 = 126 watts - the ZW is getting quite warm and I have not run an accessory or another train yet! First, a few general notes about choosing wire. Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? Price Received. 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. 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. Although it will not have any impact on the performance of the wire within, choosing multiple colors of wire, and standardizing on a specific color for each function, will go a long way in making your wiring easier to install and easier to detect flaws later on. Serious or fatal injuries may result. 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. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. Ive talked about why here. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. what size lionel transformer do i need. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. editors report that most of the wiring issues they address involve basic principles of electricity - the stuff that Ben Franklin played with when he flew his kite. It would be advantageous if OGR magazine would put an article together comparing the major manufacturers transformers output waveform compatibility/ incompatibilitywith the various manufacturer's locomotives - Atlas O, Weaver, 3rd Rail, MTH , Lionel etc and conventional , DCS , TMCC, Legacy command control. What size Lionel transformer do I need? A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. This is interesting stuff. 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 And that means theyre affordable. Price Received. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. 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. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. 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. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. Take the hint. You must be signed in to continue. 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. Are you running command or conventional? In some cases. 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. For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 (or smaller) sheet of plywood, a 90-watt Lionel 1033 or 1044 is an excellent choice. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. 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. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. 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. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need.