what size lionel transformer do i need

Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. (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. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 (or smaller) sheet of plywood, a 90-wattLionel 1033 or 1044 is an excellent choice. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. 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. "What size wire should I use?" Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. This will solve the slowdown problem. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. 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. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. OTTS Founder What does a Lionel transformer do? Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. 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.". It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. 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. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. Model train power falls into one of three categories. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, so you'll need to consider what you want to do and measure your options accordingly. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. That it not to say that there are not engineering formulae to calculate the current draw and thus the wattage, but far and away the easiest method is to measure it. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! 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?. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. 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. $2799. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. My layout I am building is 5 sheets of 4x8 plywood and it will probaly take me 100 years to build it (I hope I have that much time left). American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. It does not work with O27. If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. (10 lights X . 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. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Take the hint. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. 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. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. Our transformer sizing calculator allows you to obtain the minimum single or three-phase transformer size required based on the load you need to power. 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. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon 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 you can see, a lot of great helpers here. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. I will make a note here. That means there are lots of them. Effort. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. --I need a station for the train to stop at. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! 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. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) Wire gauges are coded by their size. The higher powered units would not meet todays safety standards as issued by Underwriters Laboratories. 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! I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). The next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. 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. Ive written more about the Lionel ZW here. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! We're sorry. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. 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. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. EXPLORE FasTrack 10" Straight Track 4-Pack 6-12032 $ 21.99 FasTrack Grade Crossing with Flashers 6-12052 $ 99.99 FasTrack O36 Curved Track 4-Pack 6-12033 $ 21.99 Legacy AMC-2 Motor Controller The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. 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. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. I have had the same problem. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Lionel Ready-to-Play is a large sized train that's made to be affordable and easy-to-use for both kids and adults alike. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. 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. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. 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. This is interesting stuff. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. What type is your old transformer? The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! On the flip side, the new transformers do not seem to work as well with the prewar whistle tenders.Has anyone else noticed this anomaly? Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. 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. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? If they do, follow their recommendations. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. 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. 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. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. 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. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. Price Received. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. 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. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd.

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