what size lionel transformer do i need10 marca 2023
QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. Price Received. 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. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. The Best Technical and Innovative Podcasts you should Listen, Essay Writing Service: The Best Solution for Busy Students, 6 The Best Alternatives for WhatsApp for Android, The Best Solar Street Light Manufacturers Across the World, Ultimate packing list while travelling with your dog. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. This thing has more power then I will ever need. 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. I know my train club had an issue with conventional locomotives not running properly on a layout with DCS and TMCC and apparently solved it by replacing a Lionel transformer with an MRC transformer that puts out a pure sine wave. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. 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. Sign-up for email today! The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. OTTS Founder That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. 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. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). 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. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Lionel made these for years and kept them in production under a different model number well into the 1970s because it was a reliable, dependable design and had enough power for a typical starter set while leaving some room to grow. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. It does not work with O27. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! Alternating current (AC) is the preferred power for most O Gauge three-rail trains as well as some two-rail systems in smaller scales. Wire gauges are coded by their size. 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. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? As your layout grows beyond the basic oval of track that comes with most starter sets, a good power distribution network is essential to getting consistent performance from your train all the way around. I covered the more common ones, but if you have another vintage Lionel transformer of more than 75 watts and its in good condition, theres no reason not to use it. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. (10 lights X . 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. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. 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. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. RemembertheVeterans. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. 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. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. Why Sign In? Price Received. :-). Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. 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! Both are lighted. And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. Dave: That certainly qualifies, don't forget the anti-gun lobbyist with the picket sign's. Three conductor wire is common for household use. no it isn't. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. 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. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. 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. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. Different wiring projects call for different standards. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. The multi-conductor wire is also available. 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. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! Effort. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. 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. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. Some great beginner accessories are the #12052 Fastrack Highway Signal set, which is a set of highway signals that blink as the train goes by. 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. Our community is FREE to join. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. If you are wiring with a common rail for your blocks, then keeping the common rail the same color all the time while changing the color for the other rail in each block is also an option. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. 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. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). To determine the required transformer VA, multiply the secondary voltage by the required amperes: For example, VA=Volts x Amperes or 28V x 1.2 amperes = 33.6 VA. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. I have had the same problem. A new ZW will run you in the neighborhood of $450.00 or a little less depending on your dealership. 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. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. 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. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. 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. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. The least expensive power supply you should consider is the Lionel CW80 Transformer; you can buy a new one for about $150 or a used on one eBay for about $60. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. 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. Join Today! There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. 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! 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. If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. 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. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. 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. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. Of course, if you happen to have enough Number12 wire left over from a home renovation project to install all the buses on your small layout, it won't do any harm. That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. 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. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. For many first-time train buyers, once the initial excitement of setting up the train and watching it run has passed, the desire to make it do more usually begins. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. Extending the Reach of Your Power 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . 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. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. You don't really need a diagram -- you want to pick your interval (some would recommend as often as 3'), drill a hole down through your base, and connect a wire to a bus which runs beneath the layout and connects to your transformer (obviously, you need two wires, one for each powered rail). Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. Thanks! Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. 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. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer 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. 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. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. However, if you begin adding more than 1 or 2 cars, be sure to get some extra track, or your longer train will be chasing its tail very quickly. When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. M3103. A: According to Lionel's head of customer service, on the underside of their CW80 transformers, starting in late 2009, the vendor applied a sticker that states "QC50" on it. 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. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! 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. Our community is FREE to join. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. 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. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. 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. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! While it is tempting to go with the biggest wire possible to guarantee excess capacity, there are drawbacks to putting in more than you need. 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. 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. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. 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. 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. 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. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. As cheap as the 1033 is, if youre going to buy a transformer, you might as well pay a few dollars more to get a 1033.
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