what size lionel transformer do i needwhat size lionel transformer do i need

Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. 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. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. Model Train Track & Transformer at Lionel Trains 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. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. Transformer sizing for new systems These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. 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! They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. 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. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. It is 5" long. Kind Regards Steve, QUOTE: by Dave Has anyone here ever blown a transformer from hauling a double-headed Allegheny coal drag up a 2 percent grade?. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts - The Spruce Crafts I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. the amount of track is not what is important here. The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered 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. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. Amazon.com: Lionel O Gauge Transformer 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. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. 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. Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. OTTS Founder 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. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Past,presentand future. 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. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. (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. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. 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. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. 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. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. JavaScript is disabled. These are all good, dependable transformers from the postwar era that are easy to find today, have adequate wattages ranging from 90-270 watts, have a circuit breaker for safety and have a whistle controller. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. The KW has constant voltage outputs for accessories, the ZW don't have that feature just four handles for supplying power to four tracks or accessories if you like, both have whistle & direction feature. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers Best Selling Lionel 1908080 O Gauge CW80 Transformers - Black (4) $147.85 New $110.00 Used Lionel Legacy Powermaster Lnl637146 (13) $134.99 New $90.00 Used Lionel 634120 TMCC Direct Lock-On Transformer - Silver (21) $58.99 New $49.99 Used They are fun to have. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Price Received. 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. I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. Both are lighted. The only time you might not get your full moneys worth is during operation of locomotives equipped with Lionels TMCC or MTHs DCS command-control systems. 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]. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. 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. 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. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. Are you running command or conventional? Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? What type is your old transformer? Why Do Lionel Trains Have 3 Rails? | Worldwide Rails 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. What do I need to do that with? 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). The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! I will make a note here. 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. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. This thing has more power then I will ever need. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. They are fun to have. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! 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. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. DCS Power Supplies | MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! Price Received. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. In some cases. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). You don't really need a diagram -- you want to pick your interval (some would recommend as often as 3'), drill a hole down through your base, and connect a wire to a bus which runs beneath the layout and connects to your transformer (obviously, you need two wires, one for each powered rail). Transformer Calculator KVA Calculator Full Load Amps Calculator What size Lionel transformer do I need? This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. 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. 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. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. If mixing both non-command as well as command engines, both by the way will run without any thing other than the appropriate transformer, it really depends on the budget. no it isn't. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Safety first. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. 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. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. 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. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. If you are wiring with a common rail for your blocks, then keeping the common rail the same color all the time while changing the color for the other rail in each block is also an option. 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. 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. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. 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. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. 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. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. 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. 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. If they do, follow their recommendations. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. Lionel, LLC continued to manufacture and market trains and accessories in O scale under the Lionel brand and S gauge under the American Flyer brand. One rail is positive, the other negative. Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. 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. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. It does not work with O27. What does a Lionel transformer do? Do not use this device if water is present. 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. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. In most cases, because we are dealing with relatively low voltage and amperage and in a normally stable temperature and humidity climates, our wiring does not require any extra insulation. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. Transformer Size Calculator - Electram Mark. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. 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. 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. This is why my wife loves me so. Getting Started - 3 RAIL TRAINS Model train transformer- 6 steps to understanding how they work Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. 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. 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. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. All about the Lionel ZW - The Silicon Underground Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. Take the hint. 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. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. We're sorry. This is interesting stuff. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. Never had a problem. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. Thanks! This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. There is the 12030 Figure-8 set, which along with the track included in your set makes your layout into this: Figure-8s are great because they create a crossing, giving the appearance of a railroad junction, they break up the oval, and the parts to create them are relatively cheap. They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. (10 lights X . Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. And that means theyre affordable. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America 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. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . 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. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! 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. CW80 Transformer. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". 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. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. 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. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Price Received. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! View More! Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. What gauge wire is used for Lionel trains? - Sage-Advices This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum