what size lionel transformer do i need

Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube 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. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. This set also includes an uncoupling track section, which will disconnect cars from one another at the touch of a button, and a bumper, which keeps cars from rolling off the end of the track. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. 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. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. I really doubt you will need more than that. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. 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. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. So far, I haven't seen any way to do this except to take amp measurements or just wing it and see how hot your transformer gets. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. They are fun to have. Ive talked more about the KW here. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. Been there, done that. 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. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. 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. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. OTTS Founder The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. Lionel Electric Toy Train Transformer Identification Guide Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? 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. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). 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. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. If you like, tell us more about yourself. What type is your old transformer? Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. $2799. Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers for sale | eBay And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. 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. Model Train Track & Transformer at Lionel Trains Lionel Fastrack Track System O Scale Trains | Lionel Fastrack for Sale The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. 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. In this case Id go with a postwar TW 175 watt transformer. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. 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. 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. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. 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 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. 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. (10 lights X . 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. Three conductor wire is common for household use. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Price Received. How to open tamper resistant outlets, Xxcopy vs Xcopy: Command line copy utilities, Where to connect the red wire to a light switch, Brains 25 cents: The story behind the meme. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. JavaScript is disabled. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. 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. I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. 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. Over the years I have collected boxed (mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Some people even find it fun. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. 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. 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 next evolution in model train control is radio- or bluetooth-controlled trains. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. 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)! Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. The Lionel RW also happens to be a great transformer for Marx or American Flyer trains too, when you connect the track leads to the B and U posts instead of the A and U posts youd normally use for most Lionel setups. what size lionel transformer do i need - senatlaevproducts.com When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. 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. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. Model Train Scales & Gauges: The Lionel Trains Guide 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. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. Does Lionel still make standard gauge trains? Transformer sizing for new systems 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. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. 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. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. 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. 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. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! 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. That means there are lots of them. Different wiring projects call for different standards. 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. Outdoor railroads are, of course, an exception! 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 is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. Handbook of layout wiring | Classic Toy Trains Magazine Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). The smaller the number, the larger the wire. I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. Our community is FREE to join. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. . (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. 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). Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? Plug one of your transformers into each Fixed in. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. 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. This is why my wife loves me so. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America 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. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. Extending the Reach of Your Power I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. Wire gauges are coded by their size. This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. 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. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 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. Transformer for Lionel that works in AUSTRALIA Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. 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. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. 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. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! Past,presentand future. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. 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. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW 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. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. White and black are common selections. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. 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. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Do not use this device if water is present. 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. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Effort. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. 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. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. 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. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. Lionel Trains: Value, History and What Collectors Should Know All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. 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. However, if you begin to add lighted cars, or more than a couple accessories, you may find that your train will not run as fast, or that it will shut off entirely. American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information Most feeders will be only a few inches long so the smaller diameter wire will not be a problem. 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. What do I need to do that with? What size Lionel transformer do I need? - Tracks-movie.com That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. 6 Best Transformer For Ho Trains - LEDS.CC The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. Just like with your track bus and feeders, running an accessory bus of slightly heavier wire to connect to each light or accessory with a smaller feeder is a good plan. Price Received. The CW-80 is a nice little transformer, has accessory output as well,but as you have stated you will outgrow the CW-80 pretty quick. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. 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. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? 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! Scale cars almost always have the number 7 as the second digit in their number [17623, 27241, etc]. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. 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. Serious or fatal injuries may result. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. Price Received. 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. Price Received. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! If you have to ask,your needs are a lot more modest than that. 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. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull.
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