Transformer Calculator KVA Calculator Full Load Amps Calculator What size Lionel transformer do I need? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. 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. 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. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. 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. Getting Started - 3 RAIL TRAINS Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. Why Sign In? A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. 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. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. Choosing the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains - The Spruce Crafts Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. Can't plug into outlet? How Many Lights Can I Connect To My Transformer? - LightUp He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. 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. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube What gauge wire is used for Lionel trains? - Sage-Advices 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. no it isn't. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. The insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. 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. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! What lionel transformer do i need - Go Quick Qna Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. HO trains are very durable and are made with high quality parts and pieces to ensure the longevity of the Lionel train brand! I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. As you can see, a lot of great helpers here. 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. 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. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. Ive talked more about the KW here. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. 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. 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. This wire is very fine and can be found in many color combinations. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. Transformer sizing for new systems If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. 7 Best Transformer For Model Railway - LEDS.CC If you like fixing things, fixing an old transformer is rewarding. Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. Classic cars have a 5 or 6 as their second digit [25051, 16686, etc]. 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. If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. CW80 Transformer. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. Kind Regards Steve, QUOTE: by Dave Has anyone here ever blown a transformer from hauling a double-headed Allegheny coal drag up a 2 percent grade?. All Lionel transformer comparisons should include the common 1033, RW, LW, KW and ZW transformers. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? 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. I have purchased diodes to put into the older transformers to see if this resolves the issue with newer tenders. Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. 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. Lionel 1033 90 watt Transformer Postwar from 1950s-60s Whistle, Direction. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. 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. 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. Serving these devices with their own dedicated supply will not only allow you to supply them with a proper constant voltage, but it will also free your main power supply to handle the load of the train itself. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. You should take care, however, to replace worn cords and wires. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. 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. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. Take the hint. Antique Train Sets - FAQs for Lionel Collectors Club of America I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. So, if you want to connect eight landscape lights to an electronic transformer, and the lights use 20 watts each, you would need a 160 watt transformer. . Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. Click here to learn about the Unlimited Membership. 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. Keep the power supplies in an area where they get plenty of air circulation to prevent overheating. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. All about the Lionel ZW - The Silicon Underground