Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. 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. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. 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. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. I really doubt you will need more than that. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. 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. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. Some of the variables are obvious, others not so much. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. 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. 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. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. 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. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. M3103. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. CW80 Transformer. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. JavaScript is disabled. If you like, tell us more about yourself. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. Part of the Lionel line since the 1930s, the gateman today is offered not only with a regular railroad-type figure, but also in versions with Santa Claus and a nutcracker figure for the Christmas season. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. If the system's train transformer is run in Europe with a step-down transformer alone (converting only voltage from 230V to 115V AC at a 50 Hz), it may not operate as intended. It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! Dang, this math makes my head hurt. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. While most of the American Flyer products are re-issues using old Gilbert tooling from the 1950s, the O scale equipment is a combination of new designs and reissues. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. This is why my wife loves me so. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. 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. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. 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. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. 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. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. 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. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. And that means theyre affordable. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. 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. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. 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. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. 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. the amount of track is not what is important here. 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. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. If you were to get a ZW 275 you need external short protection. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. Just not quite as much. 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. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. At auction, Lionel train sets, pieces, and accessories can sell for a few hundred dollars or for a few thousand dollars, depending on the rarity and condition of the piece. 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. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. Price Received. Smaller layouts (a typical 4 foot by 8 foot being a good example) can usually get by with Number16 since the length of the run from the power supply to the track is never more than a few feet. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. 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. Price Received. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Lionel uses red and black (red always for the center rail, black for the two outer rails) as a standard in its instructions and most 3-Rail O Gauge layouts are probably wired this way. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). 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. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. Its a bargain at that price. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. Its a good transformer. --I need a station for the train to stop at.