Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! 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. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. 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). Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. These can all have uses for your layout. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. 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. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. 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. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your 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. 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. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. We're sorry. It is 5" long. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? Ill try to find a link to it for you. 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. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. 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. 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. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. 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. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. Do not use this device if water is present. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. Transformer sizing for new systems 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. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. Effort. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. This is why my wife loves me so. 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). The only time you might not get your full moneys worth is during operation of locomotives equipped with Lionels TMCC or MTHs DCS command-control systems. In some cases. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. Take the hint. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. In most cases, because we are dealing with relatively low voltage and amperage and in a normally stable temperature and humidity climates, our wiring does not require any extra insulation. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. 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. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. What size Lionel transformer do I need? 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. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. Been there, done that. 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. 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. 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. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. 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. Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! 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. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. 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 Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! 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! This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. To build on the point you are running MTH trains and therefore will probably go DCS eventually: I would break the track into blocks of about 5 feet in length. Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. 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. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. Will get a Z4000 one day [this summer probably, unless I find a good deal on an older ZW] just to say I have one. And that means theyre affordable. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. 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. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. 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. Serious or fatal injuries may result. Some people even find it fun. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? Price Received. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Price Received. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. electronically controlled outputs. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). Ive talked more about the KW here. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. (NEW/LIKE NEW), running TMCC And DCS engines with DCS handheld, terrible crash in Greece, multiple fatalities, Its.Public Delivery Track ..NEWSpecial run corner, Improving Appearance of 0-gauge Tubular Track. its the amount of engines you need to worry about, I'm currently running my entire layout on a single DC power supply that came with an Athearn engine/track set. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. They run on three rail track. Effort. the amount of track is not what is important here. The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. . Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. 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. 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. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. Price Received. This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. Wire gauges are coded by their size. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. 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. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. View More! THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. Mike to the forum. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. As cheap as the 1033 is, if youre going to buy a transformer, you might as well pay a few dollars more to get a 1033. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. 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. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. 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. 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. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. 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. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. 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. 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. 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. 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. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down.