what size lionel transformer do i needhow old is eric forrester in real life

I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. Faq No: 1029 (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. 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. 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. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. White and black are common selections. 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. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. 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)! Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? RemembertheVeterans. 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. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. 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. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. 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. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. Its a good transformer. 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. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. 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. 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. 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. We're sorry. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. 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. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Never had a problem. OTTS Founder Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. Safety first. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. What does a Lionel transformer do? Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? While it is tempting to go with the biggest wire possible to guarantee excess capacity, there are drawbacks to putting in more than you need. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. (10 lights X . This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. The higher powered units would not meet todays safety standards as issued by Underwriters Laboratories. Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. 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). 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. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. To participate you must either login or register for an account. In some cases. This set also includes an uncoupling track section, which will disconnect cars from one another at the touch of a button, and a bumper, which keeps cars from rolling off the end of the track. 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. 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 your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. 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. The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. Been there, done that. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. This means that they are not exact 1:48 replicas of the real thing but instead are selectively compressed to negotiate the tight turns of regular Lionel track. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. Serious or fatal injuries may result. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. 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. 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. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. 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. Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. Wire gauges are coded by their size. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. 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. 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. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. 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. [:)]. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. It is 5" long. 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. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! 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. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. 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. Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. I have had the same problem. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. 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. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. If they do, follow their recommendations. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. 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. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. What size Lionel transformer do I need? But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on 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. 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. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. 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. Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! 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. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. 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. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. 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. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 sheet of plywood, a 90 watt Lionel 1033 or 1042 is an excellent choice. Price Received. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. "What size wire should I use?" I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. www.spankybird.shutterfly.com, God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam 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. Past,presentand future. Effort. Extending the Reach of Your Power is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . 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. 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. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. UpBright 18V AC/DC Adapter Compatible with Lionel O Gauge Fastrack 10" Remote Control Terminal Straight LionChief System Track 6-1923100 HKYF45-180230T-US DC18V 2300mA 18VDC Power Supply Cord Charger. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. If you're looking to only have one loop with multiple sidings then you'll only need 1 source of power for the whole layout. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. 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. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? 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. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. These can all have uses for your layout. I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. 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. I have a basement that offers an 18" concrete ledge that goes around theentire perimeter of the house that lends itself perfectly to a neat layout. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. A rule of thumb from the elders, (I had to go to the mountain top for this one), Add 2 more watts for Spankybird's fun-filled layout! TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. 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. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. 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. Its a bargain at that price. Do not use this device if water is present. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! While better starter sets usually include a more robust transformer, as a general rule the power pack supplied with your starter set is just thata start. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. First, a few general notes about choosing wire. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. Transformer sizing for new systems It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. What do I need to do that with? Some great beginner accessories are the #12052 Fastrack Highway Signal set, which is a set of highway signals that blink as the train goes by. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? 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. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. Different wiring projects call for different standards. Why Sign In? The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? 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.". I am assuming that your starter set came with either o27, brown ties, or 031, black ties, track and it runs well as is. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. Just not quite as much. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. 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. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). 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. Just connect the jumper wires to the same connections on the back of your transformer as your original connections, and make sure that the wires are not crossed. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. Just not quite as much. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. (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. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. 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. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. If you like, tell us more about yourself. 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. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. Of course, if you happen to have enough Number12 wire left over from a home renovation project to install all the buses on your small layout, it won't do any harm. Ive written more about the Lionel ZW here. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Can't plug into outlet? That means there are lots of them. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. 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. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Three conductor wire is common for household use. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. You must be signed in to continue. Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. Take the hint. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance.

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