what size lionel transformer do i need

. 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. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. 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. (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. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. 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. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. Wire gauges are coded by their size. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. the amount of track is not what is important here. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I Peter Fenzel 306 subscribers Subscribe 11K views 3 years ago Lionel 1033 Transformer gets cleaned up, a new power cord, a new whistle rectifier. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. What type is your old transformer? I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. Transformer Size Calculator - Electram The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. 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! View More! Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. Different wiring projects call for different standards. I will make a note here. Lionel Fastrack Track System O Scale Trains | Lionel Fastrack for Sale The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Extending the Reach of Your Power When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. 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. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. This is interesting stuff. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! We're sorry. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. I have had the same problem. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. Steve's rule of thumb for derating is very close to and in the same spirit as the NEC rule that an appliance may not draw more than 80 percent of the current rating of the outlet. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. If you like fixing things, fixing an old transformer is rewarding. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. While most of the American Flyer products are re-issues using old Gilbert tooling from the 1950s, the O scale equipment is a combination of new designs and reissues. 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. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. What size Lionel transformer do I need? - Tracks-movie.com 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. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. Ive talked about why here. DCS Power Supplies | MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. Been there, done that. 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. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. Lionel Electric Toy Train Transformer Identification Guide Transformer Size Requirement? - Classic Toy Trains Magazine Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers Best Selling Lionel 1908080 O Gauge CW80 Transformers - Black (4) $147.85 New $110.00 Used Lionel Legacy Powermaster Lnl637146 (13) $134.99 New $90.00 Used Lionel 634120 TMCC Direct Lock-On Transformer - Silver (21) $58.99 New $49.99 Used 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. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. However, if you begin adding more than 1 or 2 cars, be sure to get some extra track, or your longer train will be chasing its tail very quickly. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. Reverse the above if planning to run mostly Lionel and go with the Lionel command system, either the full Legacy system or the upcoming CAB-1L and just add a Track Power Controller and a cable to run most MTH engines in conventional with the Lionel systems. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. 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. There is no reason why your Lionel ZWs and Flyer big ones cant be used to run AC-powered trains of any vintage new or old. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. Can't plug into outlet? The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. For instance, a 100 kilovolt-ampere transformer with 8.32 kilovolts (or less) on the high side has a typical value of 2.6% impedance. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. 7 Best Transformer For Model Railway - LEDS.CC Handbook of layout wiring | Classic Toy Trains Magazine As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. 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. 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. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. Amazon.com: Lionel O Gauge Transformer Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. 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. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Mike to the forum. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. 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. 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. RemembertheVeterans. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. 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. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. Transformer Sizing Calculator Effort. That means there are lots of them. 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). With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. How to Properly Size a Transformer | Behler-Young There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. 40-200 20 Watt DC Transformer - Small DC transformer suitable for powering a single HO diesel or steam locomotive equipped with Proto-Sound 3.0. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. Dave, the nice thing about Lionel transformers is you can run them until the bimetallic breaker pops and then you let it cool and you are back in action (after shutting a few things down)! 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. $2799. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts - The Spruce Crafts He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. 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. 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. OTTS Founder 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. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. 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. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube 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 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. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. 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. 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. These can all have uses for your layout. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. Do not use this device if water is present. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. 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. 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. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. I know my train club had an issue with conventional locomotives not running properly on a layout with DCS and TMCC and apparently solved it by replacing a Lionel transformer with an MRC transformer that puts out a pure sine wave. 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. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. It does not work with O27. If you want a spur track to store an extra car or two, Lionel makes another expansion set [#12044] that does just that: Note that this set includes one switch which is the track section that makes the track diverge onto two separate routes. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads.

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