Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! 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. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Obviously, for a lot of people, the $700 Lionel ZW-L transformer is overkill. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. 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. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). 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). When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. DCS Power Supplies | MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. Both are lighted. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. 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. Besides the train and track, accessories provide a lot of fun and animation to any setup. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. Lionel uses red and black (red always for the center rail, black for the two outer rails) as a standard in its instructions and most 3-Rail O Gauge layouts are probably wired this way. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay What size Lionel transformer do I need? When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. Effort. With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. 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. 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. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. Some people even find it fun. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. 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. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. 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. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. 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. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Model Train Track & Transformer at Lionel Trains 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. 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. Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! 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. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. You must be signed in to continue. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. 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. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. 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. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. 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. It is 5" long. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. Why Sign In? They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. Do not use this device if water is present. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. 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. What size Lionel transformer do I need? - Tracks-movie.com The iconic and legendary 270-wattLionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. 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. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. Service/Tested $55.00 1 bid $14.06 shipping 1d 6h LIONEL TYPE (KW) TRAINMASTER TRANSFORMER FOR PARTS OR RESTORATION $17.05 4 bids $19.95 shipping 9h 23m These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. There is no reason why your Lionel ZWs and Flyer big ones cant be used to run AC-powered trains of any vintage new or old. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. the amount of track is not what is important here. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! "What size wire should I use?" An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. PDF Lionel CW-80 Transformer Owner's Manual - thomconte.com DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. In some cases. Ive talked more about the KW here. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. What lionel transformer do i need - Go Quick Qna Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. 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. (10 lights X . For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. 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 Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. To participate you must either login or register for an account. Why Do Lionel Trains Have 3 Rails? | Worldwide Rails American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information 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. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. I recently read an article/product review in the OGR magazine for the new Lioneltransformerand wassurprisedto learn that not all voltage outputwave-formsare created equal (pure sine wave versus some type of clipped sine wave). This means that they are not exact 1:48 replicas of the real thing but instead are selectively compressed to negotiate the tight turns of regular Lionel track. Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. 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. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. what size lionel transformer do i need - senatlaevproducts.com Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. 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. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Mark. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. electronically controlled outputs. 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. A lot of people are using the MTH Z1000's who have smaller layouts while others have moved up to the MTH Z4000. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. Just get a Lionel #12053 Accessory wire set and enough extra wire to connect from the wire set back to your transformer [speaker wire works well]. Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. I have had the same problem. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? 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. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. Lionel Model Railroad and Train Transformers for sale | eBay 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.