The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. 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. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. You may never use all the amps, but it's usually cheaper to grow into a power supply than to continually upgrade. For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 sheet of plywood, a 90 watt Lionel 1033 or 1042 is an excellent choice. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. But it is important to take a close look at the cars to make sure that they are a good match for your set. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. Been there, done that. So, if you want to connect eight landscape lights to an electronic transformer, and the lights use 20 watts each, you would need a 160 watt transformer. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. :-). The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. 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. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on 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. 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. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. 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. Just not quite as much. M3103. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. If you want to connect ten landscape lights to a magnetic transformer, and the lights use 30 watts each, you would need a 375 watt transformer. Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. 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. I am assuming that your starter set came with either o27, brown ties, or 031, black ties, track and it runs well as is. If they do, follow their recommendations. $2799. What do I need to do that with? Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! I have a basement that offers an 18" concrete ledge that goes around the entire perimeter of the house that lends itself perfectly to a neat layout. 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 The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. It would be advantageous if OGR magazine would put an article together comparing the major manufacturers transformers output waveform compatibility/ incompatibilitywith the various manufacturer's locomotives - Atlas O, Weaver, 3rd Rail, MTH , Lionel etc and conventional , DCS , TMCC, Legacy command control. 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. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! 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. 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. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. RemembertheVeterans. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. 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. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. I will make a note here. One rail is positive, the other negative. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. If you make a complete loop of 100 feet with good track joints, you'll have something like .1 ohm from the transformer to the farthest point, using the rule of thumb that most track is something like 16 AWG wire (.004 ohms per foot) and that there are two 50 foot tracks feeding the farthest point from two directions. 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?. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Thanks! Do not connect this product to any other power supply. 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. 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. A. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. 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. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. Three conductor wire is common for household use. If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. I've got around 320 ft of track between all of the mainline, sidings, etc and I don't have any problems running my engines anywhere on the layout. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? 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. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! 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. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. Ive written more about the Lionel ZW here. This is why my wife loves me so. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. 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. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. It is 5" long. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. Actually it was a train show with varied trains of all different eras being run I have mostly MTH trains though and they wouldn't run because the transformer that was running wasn't powerful enough to cycle through my MTH trainsounds. You must be signed in to continue. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. 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. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! 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. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. White and black are common selections. God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. Remember, the only silly question is the one that you did not ask. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. electronically controlled outputs. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. It does not work with O27. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. Anyway if it takes me 100 years to finish this thing one thing is for sure I will not have to worry about powering anything and everything. 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. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. Price Received. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. Can't plug into outlet? Please see our article on Fastrack here for more information. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. 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. 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. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. If you add a lot of track and find that your train slows down as it gets farther from your transformer, you will need to run jumper wires to the opposite side of your track layout. Faq No: 1029 Dang, this math makes my head hurt. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. 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. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. We're sorry. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! I really doubt you will need more than that. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. the amount of track is not what is important here. 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. Today Lionel includes the same basic track oval in all starter sets8 36-inch diameter curve sections, 3 10 straight track sections, and 1 10 straight terminal section, which create this layout: Until recently, to add to this layout, you would need to buy separate straight, curved, and other track sections and wing it in creating a larger setup. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. 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. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. Different wiring projects call for different standards. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. 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. 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.". You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. 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. 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. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. Never had a problem. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. 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. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. 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! Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. 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. 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). 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. 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. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. Well Mike what I am about to suggest may be a little pricy or at least it was for me but I have managed to buy a new Lionel ZW. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. What size Lionel transformer do I need? 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. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. Serving these devices with their own dedicated supply will not only allow you to supply them with a proper constant voltage, but it will also free your main power supply to handle the load of the train itself. Pretty much suffered the same fate, too. Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. 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! 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. Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. 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. Melanin Rich Foods For Hair And Skin, What Happens After Luffy Punches The Celestial Dragon, Can Iron Golems Spawn On Slabs, Is Freddy Carlson Still At Kindig It Design, Articles W
