Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. 40-500 50 Watt AC Transformer - 50 Watt AC transformer suitable for . 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. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. 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. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. 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. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. Some people even find it fun. is always one of the first questions asked when someone starts to build a model railroad. 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! The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. Classic Toy Trains 5-Year Collection 2015-2019 DVD-ROM. They are fun to have. 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. Just not quite as much. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Effort. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. 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. Although all Lionel cars operate on O Gauge track, the bodies of the cars are made in two slightly different sizes. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. When running a mixed bag train show with new and old trains of mixed types such as Loinel and MTH which is better? Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. 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. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. To participate you must either login or register for an account. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. 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. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! what size lionel transformer do i need. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. 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.". If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. That means there are lots of them. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. 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 power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. $2799. What size Lionel transformer do I need? Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. 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. When they were manufactured by The American Flyer Manufacturing Company, they were made in Standard Gauge and a version of "O" gauge. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. If you like, tell us more about yourself. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. Are you running command or conventional? If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. For most layouts, and most scales, Number14 stranded wire will work best for your bus. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. The smaller the number, the larger the wire. These can all have uses for your layout. If you add feeders to the track at the farthest point (remember to get the same wire to the same rails) you will not slow down at the farthest point. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. 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. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! I went to mth Z1000, jason's train shop has the best price's I have seen for these. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. 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. :-). It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, Calculating transformer size for layout size. 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. 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. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. Use this index to see additional details about the individual transformers issued by Lionel during the post-war period. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. Price Received. 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. 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. 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. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. The thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. A. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. 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. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. And that means theyre affordable. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). 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 Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. Another classic is the Automatic Gateman. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of theNRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified. --I need a station for the train to stop at. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! Effort. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. 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. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. Wire gauges are coded by their size. 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. 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. 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. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. What do I need to do that with? You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. 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. Three conductor wire is common for household use. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. Ive talked about why here. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. 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. Effort. 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. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. 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. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. Expanding the basic oval from the set is the quickest way to add more interest to your trains. As time goes on you can add higher wattage bricks one by one. Take the hint. Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. M3103. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. I have a post war ZW and a KW and a Z, all three are good transformers, just meant for differant needs. Lionel Rolling Stock Identification Guide. 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. Never Enough Room, Time or Money for all the Trains! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Mike to the forum. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. There are a few standards when it comes to the color-coding. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. 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 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. They are fun to have. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. 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. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. OTTS Founder Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. This is a old school approach for sizing cables & transformers or appliances in the electrical trade, & has never let us down. I really doubt you will need more than that. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. 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.