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. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? Big Ed Railroad Tycoon 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. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels.
6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. Been there, done that. 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. 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. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. If they do, follow their recommendations.
Transformer Sizing Calculator Mike to the forum. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100.
What size Lionel transformer do I need? - Tracks-movie.com A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand.
Its a bargain at that price. Our community is FREE to join. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. 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. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. 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. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. 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. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. You must be signed in to continue. 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. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. White and black are common selections.
Model Train Scales & Gauges: The Lionel Trains Guide Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. Sign-up for email today! Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. 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)! :-). What does a Lionel transformer do? All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. 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 Fastrack Track System O Scale Trains | Lionel Fastrack for Sale 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.
A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. 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. 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. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. 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. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! 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. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. 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). Serious or fatal injuries may result. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! 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. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. 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. 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! Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge.
What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered In some cases. 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 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. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. One rail is positive, the other negative. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. 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 you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. I really doubt you will need more than that. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. 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. Mark.
How to Properly Size a Transformer | Behler-Young Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts - The Spruce Crafts These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. 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. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. 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. 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. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022.
PDF Lionel CW-80 Transformer Owner's Manual - thomconte.com 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. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! 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. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. 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. This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current.
Which Lionel transformer do I need? - The Silicon Underground 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. The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. 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. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other.
Model train transformer- 6 steps to understanding how they work The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. I have had the same problem. 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. (10 lights X . 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. 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. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! 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. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. They run on three rail track. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. 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. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. 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. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. 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! Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose.
what size lionel transformer do i need - senatlaevproducts.com It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. The fraction of your transformer's power lost in the track will therefore be well under 10 percent, since it is proportional to the voltage drop. 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. 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. What size Lionel transformer do I need? I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. 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.
It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. 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. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. Also, you must have a built-in circuit breaker to prevent a short circuit from causing permanent damage to the power supply or the trains. Three conductor wire is common for household use. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". 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. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. JavaScript is disabled. 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). Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. 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. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. 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. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. 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. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? But it is important to take a close look at the cars to make sure that they are a good match for your set. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. 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. They are fun to have. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Amazon.com: Lionel Transformer My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? Ive talked more about the KW here. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more.
As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. 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. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. 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. Price Received.
Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA 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. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. Ive talked about why here. Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. 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. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. Never had a problem. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. 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.
Elite Dangerous Reactive Surface Composite Engineering,
Canoe Brook Country Club Membership Fees,
Articles W