Price Received. 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. 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 Lionel power the 45 watts is good for a 4 by 8 as a rule of thumb to compensate poor track you just use more feeders. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. These can all have uses for your layout. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? 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. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. 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. 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. Different wiring projects call for different standards. Just not quite as much. Some people even find it fun. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Mint-in-box examples of vintage Lionel trains are still valuable and will continue to appreciate in value over time, because there are so few of them. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. 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. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. 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. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. On a large loop of track you will need to have multiple drops, hook-ups, to the transformer because if you only have one hook up the train will get slower the father away it gets from the transformer. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. 10 Easy Ways to Improve a Christmas Train Display, Wiring a Model Railroad for Block Operation, How to Build and Wire Reverse Loops for Model Trains, How to Choose the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains, Compatibility of Different Model Train Brands, HO Scale Track Plans for Model Train Layouts, buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. 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. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! Sign-up for email today! Price Received. RemembertheVeterans. 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. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 We're sorry. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. 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. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. 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. This will solve the slowdown problem. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. What do I need to do that with? The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered [:)]. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. Just get a Lionel #12053 Accessory wire set and enough extra wire to connect from the wire set back to your transformer [speaker wire works well]. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. It does not work with O27. 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 BASICS "O", "S", "HO". I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! What type is your old transformer? Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! 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. 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. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. 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. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. 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. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. Although not necessarily a mandated standard, white, black and or red are used for track power on most layouts - if for no other reason than these colors are easiest to find. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. 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. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. 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. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. 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. I am assuming that your starter set came with either o27, brown ties, or 031, black ties, track and it runs well as is. Wire gauges are coded by their size. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. 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 O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. 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. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. 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. You must be signed in to continue. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. Effort. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. 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. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. 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. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. Actually it was a train show with varied trains of all different eras being run I have mostly MTH trains though and they wouldn't run because the transformer that was running wasn't powerful enough to cycle through my MTH trainsounds. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. If you like, tell us more about yourself. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. They are fun to have. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. "What size wire should I use?" All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. no it isn't. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. Ive talked more about the KW here. If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. And that means theyre affordable. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. 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. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. The first Lionel electric trains were powered by wet-cell batteries, which were, of course, dangerous. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. 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. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. That means there are lots of them. Turn on the throttle, then short the A and U posts (in the case of Lionel) or variable and base posts (in the case of Flyer) with a screwdriver or a piece of wire for a maximum of five seconds. Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. . I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. 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. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. Faq No: 1029 Price Received. 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). 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. First, a few general notes about choosing wire. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. 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. Effort. Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. what size lionel transformer do i need. --I need a station for the train to stop at. Ive talked about why here. However, in the future if you continue in the hobby and your roster expands you may acquire motive power which requires larger curves than what came with your set. What does a Lionel transformer do? 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. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. 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. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. This thing has more power then I will ever need. 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 even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. Both are lighted. This is interesting stuff. 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. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. 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. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. 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. The smaller the number, the larger the wire. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars.