what size lionel transformer do i need

If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). 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. If mixing both non-command as well as command engines, both by the way will run without any thing other than the appropriate transformer, it really depends on the budget. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. (10 lights X . 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. 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. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. The customer will still need a step down transformer to get the 220V to 110V. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. I have had the same problem. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. Starter set locomotives can pull up to 12 cars easily, and most can handle up to 20, so building a longer train will not harm your engine. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. White and black are common selections. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. Three conductor wire is common for household use. 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. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Take the hint. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. 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. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). Faq No: 1029 From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. Sign-up for email today! I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. 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. :-). 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. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I Peter Fenzel 306 subscribers Subscribe 11K views 3 years ago Lionel 1033 Transformer gets cleaned up, a new power cord, a new whistle rectifier. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! 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. 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. 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. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. 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 $2799. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. Whatever colors and pattern you choose, just make sure to keep a good notebook handy to reference later. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. Just connect the jumper wires to the same connections on the back of your transformer as your original connections, and make sure that the wires are not crossed. 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. Price Received. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. 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. 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. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. [:)]. What does a Lionel transformer do? Model train power falls into one of three categories. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. 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. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. 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. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. Price Received. 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. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. This is why my wife loves me so. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. It does not work with O27. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. 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. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. 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. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. And again regardless of scale or manufacturer, switch machines of these two types will have similar needs and performance. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. First, a few general notes about choosing wire. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). 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 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. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. 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. 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. 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. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. 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. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. 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. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. 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. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. 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). Lionels HO Gauge items are back! They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. 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. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (15) Ages: 14 years and up. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. 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. 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. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. 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. You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. 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. 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. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. 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. Starter sets almost always include a power supply along with the track and train. I am currently running about 40 bulbs, which at 0.1 A each total 4 amps! Ive talked more about the KW here. 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. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. 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. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. Thanks! That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. 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. 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. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? That means there are lots of them. 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. 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. To participate you must either login or register for an account. I can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. 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. 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. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". What do I need to do that with? RemembertheVeterans. They run on three rail track. 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. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. Our community is FREE to join. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. 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. www.spankybird.shutterfly.com, God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. 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. When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. the amount of track is not what is important here. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. M3103. 40-200 20 Watt DC Transformer - Small DC transformer suitable for powering a single HO diesel or steam locomotive equipped with Proto-Sound 3.0. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. Safety first. Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. DCC is less common in starter sets, but some are available. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! 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. And that means theyre affordable. This thing has more power then I will ever need. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. Past,presentand future. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. 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. The transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. In some cases. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! Just not quite as much. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. Price Received. 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. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. One rail is positive, the other negative. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. Which Lionel transformer do I need? you ask? Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. But after a little while, you will likely want your train to do more, and youll start thinking along these lines: --It sure would be neat if it did more than run in a circle. 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. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. 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. Why Sign In? 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.

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