--I need a station for the train to stop at. 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. Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. Of all the questions fielded by the staff of Classic Toy Trains, inquiries regarding layout wiring top the list.While you might expect numerous questions regarding complex techniques or new technologies, CTT. Faq No: 1029 The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. The multi-conductor wire is also available. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. Dave, you're so eloquent and inspiring - my undergraduate degree was in American Studies, now I'm in charge of among other things all our college's technology - also self-taught.. Hello All: Re: Dave Farquhar, Dave you left out sense of humor Regards Steve. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. 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. 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. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. Serving these devices with their own dedicated supply will not only allow you to supply them with a proper constant voltage, but it will also free your main power supply to handle the load of the train itself. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. Never had a problem. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). RemembertheVeterans. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. Effort. Can't plug into outlet? The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! If you like fixing things, fixing an old transformer is rewarding. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers for sale | eBay The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. Extending the Reach of Your Power This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. That transformer will only prolly handle 1 engine and depending on how long it is will depend on how many extra feeders you will need around the layout. 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. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. 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. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. 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. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Its a good transformer. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic.
Transformer Sizing Calculator 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. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts.
Choosing the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains - The Spruce Crafts CW80 Transformer. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. 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. Safety first. M3103. There was a video by Mike Reagan from Lionel about better smoke output from a chopped wave transformer, but the pure sine wave didn't cause any operational issues. Our transformer sizing calculator allows you to obtain the minimum single or three-phase transformer size required based on the load you need to power. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. And that means theyre affordable. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! 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. First, a few general notes about choosing wire. 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. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. One rail is positive, the other negative.
Transformer Size Calculator - Electram I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. 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? In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage.
Lionel Trains: Value, History and What Collectors Should Know I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. Our community is FREE to join. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. 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. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Doug, there's definitely room for the liberal arts approach to the hobby--I have a journalism degree; how I became a computer technician was pretty much an accident. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before.
How to Properly Size a Transformer | Behler-Young Serious or fatal injuries may result. They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. Price Received. 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.
How to correctly size a transformer | Consulting - Specifying Engineer "What size wire should I use?"
Transformer Calculator KVA Calculator Full Load Amps Calculator Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. Take the hint. 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. 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. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). 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. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. 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. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. Regardless of your scale, all model railroad switch machines fall into one of two categories, a slow-motion electric motor or a "twin coil" relay. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. Model train power falls into one of three categories. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. JavaScript is disabled. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. 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. 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. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience.
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 conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath.
Which Lionel transformer do I need? - The Silicon Underground The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer.
7 Best Transformer For Model Railway - LEDS.CC The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars.
--I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! Why Sign In? All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. Effort. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. 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. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. 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. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. 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. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. Been there, done that. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. I suggest that you proactively lay an 10-2 AWG NM cable (or at least 12-2) along the track and tap into it as needed to keep the voltage up. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. 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. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. The CW-80 is a nice little transformer, has accessory output as well,but as you have stated you will outgrow the CW-80 pretty quick. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement.
I will make a note here. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another.
Transformer Size Requirement? - Classic Toy Trains Magazine 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. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. 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. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. 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! A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. :-). All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. They run on three rail track. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout.
PDF Lionel CW-80 Transformer Owner's Manual - thomconte.com The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. Do not use this device if water is present. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. 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. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. 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. 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. 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. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive.