The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. The multi-conductor wire is also available. Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. What size Lionel transformer do I need? But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. For a transformer less or equal to 500 kilovolt-amperes, a typical %Z impedance may vary between 2.3% and 5.2% based on the voltage level. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. Effort. OTTS Founder
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. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place.
Transformer Size Requirement? - Classic Toy Trains Magazine Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! I have had the same problem. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. 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. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. what size lionel transformer do i need. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default.
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.". 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. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? What does a Lionel transformer do?
How to correctly size a transformer | Consulting - Specifying Engineer 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. 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. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. 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. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers.
Amazon.com: Lionel Transformer DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. 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. Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. Our community is FREE to join. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. 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. 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. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails.
How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. 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. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. The first Lionel electric trains were powered by wet-cell batteries, which were, of course, dangerous.
Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. 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. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. 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. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. electronically controlled outputs. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. Thanks! But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting.
Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. 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. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. What do I need to do that with?
Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. [:)]. With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. Extending the Reach of Your Power Effort. 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 Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. 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! 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. 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]. 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. 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. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. Sign-up for email today! Been there, done that. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. 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 Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. converting a 2-rail freight car to 2-rail with Atlas trucks, My Triple Level Layout -FREEBIE UPDATE- 3/2/23, Successful Open House Upstate (NY) Model Railroaders, FS: Lionel MPC and modern traditional size rolling stock.
It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster.
Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls.
Choosing the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains - The Spruce Crafts It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. Safety first. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! 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. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? Ive talked more about the KW here. View More! These can all have uses for your layout. I've read that it is good practice to add feeders every 10 sections of track or sothat seems like a lot but I suppose that beats having "dead" spots in the track. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. 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. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. This is why my wife loves me so. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. 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. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. I really doubt you will need more than that. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. Faq No: 1029 Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. What type is your old transformer?
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. JavaScript is disabled. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? 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. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Three conductor wire is common for household use. 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. Transformer sizing for new systems All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. 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.
Getting Started - 3 RAIL TRAINS Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? This thing has more power then I will ever need. White and black are common selections. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. no it isn't. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. 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. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. 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. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer.
Why Do Lionel Trains Have 3 Rails? | Worldwide Rails Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Price Received. 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.
Lionel Trains: Value, History and What Collectors Should Know Amazon.com: Lionel O Gauge Transformer 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC One rail is positive, the other negative. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. This type of transformer is cheap, its reliable, and its easy to find. 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). 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. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. 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. Are you running command or conventional? Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 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. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example).