what size lionel transformer do i need

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. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on Its expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. A while back, approximately 2 weeks ago while running two very lengthy loops of fast track an old transformer nearly fried (50 years old) one of my wires that I was running to my Fastrac. Our community is FREE to join. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? 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. 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?. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. 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. They are fun to have. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. While those locomotives and their sound systems are designed to operate using conventional transformers like your ZW, digital controllers are needed to activate additional features like special sound effects and coupler activation. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. 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. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! They give a great deal of power in a single handled transformer, and if you run trains along with another person, it can be more convenient for you to both have a smaller transformer than for two people to huddle around a larger KW or ZW transformer and share its handles. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. It is also a good idea to run your accessories off of a separate power supply and wire grid from the trains themselves. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. Wire gauges are coded by their size. Of course, the answer to that question depends on many things. M3103. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. 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. 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. 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. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Lest I offend, in another plane of existence I was an electronics tech. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. 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. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. 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. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. 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. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. They run on three rail track. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. 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. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. 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. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. Many manufacturers assemble cases with special screws to prevent access to the inside and accidental shock. Lionel has a new 180 watt transformer due out soon that will be a nice upgrade. 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. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. Also, you must have a built-in circuit breaker to prevent a short circuit from causing permanent damage to the power supply or the trains. 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. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. Lionel developed and perfected its model designs and layouts during the Pre-War Era (1901-1942). Safety first. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. 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. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! I got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. Early issues used a Bakelite case while later releases had a case made out of plastic. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main 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. 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. Extending the Reach of Your Power My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. 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.". We're sorry. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat. 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. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). 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 insulation on the outside of the wire also varies greatly. One rail is positive, the other negative. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. 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. Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. Join Today! Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. 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. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. With the ever-increasing amount of small electronics in today's sophisticated models, this protection is more important than ever. I justhave a very basic 027 set (guessin' mid 80's?). This is why my wife loves me so. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. 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. There was a video by Mike Reagan from Lionel about better smoke output from a chopped wave transformer, but the pure sine wave didn't cause any operational issues. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! What does a Lionel transformer do? American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. As your needs grow, you can employ a larger transformer of fixed voltage. 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. The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. 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. 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. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. 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. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell these cars apart, and the key is the numbers Lionel assigns to them. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. I have had the same problem. They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Many load and unload freight from specially designed cars as well. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! These can all have uses for your layout. Effort. 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. 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. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. The Lionel 1033 can be used for small or medium-sized layouts. 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. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. Lots of good tips for building a layout from two of the most experienced people in the hobby. And even when Lionel trains run on AC, they sometimes do some DC trickery. Here are a few: --The Lionel Fastrack Book, by Robert Schleicher. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. 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. JavaScript is disabled. 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 thing has more power then I will ever need. This is different from the stranded wire in that the different individual wires, each with their color-coded insulation, is placed inside a secondary insulation wrap. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. White and black are common selections. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. 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. 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. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. In the middle range, Lionel made a lot of other transformers. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. This would be more than enough for any single train and a few accessories. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. 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. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. 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. 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. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. The KW has constant voltage outputs for accessories, the ZW don't have that feature just four handles for supplying power to four tracks or accessories if you like, both have whistle & direction feature. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. That was before all the technician assemby work was outsourced overseas and they left the poor engineers to fend for themselves. Lionel and other train manufacturers have worked hard to make adding to a set easy, affordable, and fun. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. Effort. 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. For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. DCC decoders are one good example where the wire colors are critical. 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. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. 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. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here.

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