Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. I have one R transformer from which I run everything - but only 1 train at a time and a few accessories for a layout in a space about 24 by 10 ft. I covered the more common ones, but if you have another vintage Lionel transformer of more than 75 watts and its in good condition, theres no reason not to use it. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. In some cases. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. 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). Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. 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. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. Price Received. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. Lionel 1033 90 Watt Multi-control Transformer (102) $9.99 1 bid $16.00 shipping 2d 9h Lionel Type Z 250 Watt Transformer & One 167 Whistle Controllers. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. This is why my wife loves me so. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). Past,presentand future. 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. 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. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. --I need a station for the train to stop at. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? 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. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. 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. How to correctly size a transformer | Consulting - Specifying Engineer 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . Just like with your track bus and feeders, running an accessory bus of slightly heavier wire to connect to each light or accessory with a smaller feeder is a good plan. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. Effort. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. Model Train Track & Transformer at Lionel Trains This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. 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. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Lionel Trains: Value, History and What Collectors Should Know For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. 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. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! 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. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. 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. This is different from the stranded wire in that the different individual wires, each with their color-coded insulation, is placed inside a secondary insulation wrap. 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. If they do, follow their recommendations. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. Choosing the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains - The Spruce Crafts My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. I will make a note here. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. 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 don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. 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. What size Lionel transformer do I need? God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. If you're experiencing problems with your wiring due to humidity, for example, you are going to face even greater issues with the trains and tracks themselves. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. Faq No: 1029 Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. 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. Can't plug into outlet? 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. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. Price Received. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. 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. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. 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. 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. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Amazon.com: Lionel O Gauge Transformer Thanks! If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. Why Do Lionel Trains Have 3 Rails? | Worldwide Rails Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. 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. 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. 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. 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. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. what size lionel transformer do i need. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. 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. One rail is positive, the other negative. Price Received. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. 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. 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. And that means theyre affordable. Been there, done that. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. Our community is FREE to join. The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. We're sorry. 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. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". 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. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. 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. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. 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. 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.

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