what size lionel transformer do i need

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. 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. Price Received. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Been there, done that. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. Steve's rule of thumb for derating is very close to and in the same spirit as the NEC rule that an appliance may not draw more than 80 percent of the current rating of the outlet. 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. Problem with Rail King Protocol Sounds reversing unit, My D-190 Back in Action After Move to to NC, Caboose Identification - late era vintage, Continuing Saga Newtown Hardwrare House WIP. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. Its a bargain at that price. The old transformer is not really the problem, the problem is the supply wire, particularly under heavyload (or derailment without the benefit of a quicker breaker). It is important to remember that the real test of the power supply is the load you'll place on it. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. If you make a complete loop of 100 feet with good track joints, you'll have something like .1 ohm from the transformer to the farthest point, using the rule of thumb that most track is something like 16 AWG wire (.004 ohms per foot) and that there are two 50 foot tracks feeding the farthest point from two directions. For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. Transformer capacity is rated in KVA (kilo-volt-amperes). These are all good, dependable transformers from the postwar era that are easy to find today, have adequate wattages ranging from 90-270 watts, have a circuit breaker for safety and have a whistle controller. The best of the best Lionel trains are very valuable. 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. Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. The motor takes electricity through a small wire attached to a metal wheel that rests on the middle rail underneath. Lionel Multi-Car Freight Sets + More MTH Halloween! Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. Understanding Electrical Supplies and Controls. Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! Any of the below transformers from M.T.H. Lionel makes a seemingly infinite number of cars to in a variety of colors, types, and road names. 24v, 120v, 208v, 240v, 480v, and 600v). The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. If your layout is bigger than 48, you may actually find trains run a bit better with a KW than with a smaller transformer. They are fun to have. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Is there anyway of saying how much track it will power? Older transformers I had this issue with are RW, 1033, KW, ZW.newer transformers were all made by MTH. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. its the amount of engines you need to worry about, I'm currently running my entire layout on a single DC power supply that came with an Athearn engine/track set. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. That said, if youre uncomfortable fixing a transformer, I wont look down on you for buying one someone else fixed up. All power supplies will be rated for volts, amps, and watts. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. I had 3 lionel cw80's and two quit working. Length of track or type of track doesn't (or shouldn't) matter. In either case, however, voltage and amperage draw is low and peak for only brief periods. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. how much track can a transformer handle? | Model Train Forum A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. 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. 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 thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. In some cases. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. I'll take this information and run with it to help get me started. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. 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. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. The house's current is reduced to the required low voltage by Trainmaster Transformers. What type is your old transformer? Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 sheet of plywood, a 90 watt Lionel 1033 or 1042 is an excellent choice. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. 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. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . 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 can remember a time when a Lionel ZW would set you back $275. If you want a spur track to store an extra car or two, Lionel makes another expansion set [#12044] that does just that: Note that this set includes one switch which is the track section that makes the track diverge onto two separate routes. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. First, a few general notes about choosing wire. And of course, individual Fastrack sections are also available. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! New trains; old transformers | Classic Toy Trains Magazine 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. 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. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Sign-up for email today! A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! 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. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. Price Received. 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. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. 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. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". Different wiring projects call for different standards. Lionel made a lot of other transformers over the years. Not really a how-to-build-a-layout book, but it is a good general introduction to the hobby full of interesting stuff. 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?. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. American Flyer Trains Basic Operating Information Take the hint. 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. Our community is FREE to join. 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. Amperes = VA/Secondary Volts or 40VA/28V = 1.43 amperes. When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. While most of the American Flyer products are re-issues using old Gilbert tooling from the 1950s, the O scale equipment is a combination of new designs and reissues. With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. --I need a station for the train to stop at. 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. A model railroad train set designed for use in the United States will have a 115V AC 60Hz power requirement. View More! Dang, this math makes my head hurt. 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. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Thanks in advance for any information, Mike. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. the amount of track is not what is important here. 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. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). 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. Used a 1033 for accessories and lights. What does a Lionel transformer do? Are you running command or conventional? Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. Also, I found an old guide printed by lionel on power requirements. Model train transformer- 6 steps to understanding how they work Understanding the difference is important in getting the right power supply for your needs. Electric Trains make great power supplies, depending on usage, on a DCS controlled layout. Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. (10 lights X . [:)]. They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. Regardless of your scale, all model railroad switch machines fall into one of two categories, a slow-motion electric motor or a "twin coil" relay. Do not connect this product to any other power supply. You can use bus and feeder wires to more evenly distribute the power over your track. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. June 5, 2022; cleveland open chess 2021; mexican martial arts xilam Note that when working with specific products, manufacturers will often recommend a wire size and type. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. What is the best transformer to use? - O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum 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. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. 7 Best Transformer For Model Railway - LEDS.CC It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. You must be signed in to continue. Ive talked about why here. What size Lionel transformer do I need? - Tracks-movie.com Amazon.com: Lionel O Gauge Transformer When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. It can run four tracks at one time, so you layout can grow. Wire gauges are coded by their size. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. If you have time, check out the "Coffee Pot". Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. Dave, the nice thing about Lionel transformers is you can run them until the bimetallic breaker pops and then you let it cool and you are back in action (after shutting a few things down)! The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. A. Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. Dave, you're so eloquent and inspiring - my undergraduate degree was in American Studies, now I'm in charge of among other things all our college's technology - also self-taught.. Hello All: Re: Dave Farquhar, Dave you left out sense of humor Regards Steve. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct 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. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Unlimited Members, sign in to enjoy sitewide access. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? Serious or fatal injuries may result. 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. For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. 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 transformer included with your starter set should be adequate to handle a modest expansion of your train set discussed above. I bet they would be great for running lights and unloading the main transformer. Power the odd blocks with the other transformer. I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. If you plan to add a second loop for another train in the near future, the 14198 would be a wise investment. The transformer, when operated at the lower frequency, may . The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. Apparently there is a difference between old conventional and new conventional power. I have had the same problem. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). 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. That means there are lots of them. Some DCC systems also recommend solid wire for certain applications. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? Unless I'm all wet it sounded like there are somecompatibilityissues with certain locomotives versus manufacturer's transformer output wave forms. 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. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. I will make a note here. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. Choosing the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains - The Spruce Crafts Ive talked more about the KW here. Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts - The Spruce Crafts How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? I have a basement that offers an 18" concrete ledge that goes around the entire perimeter of the house that lends itself perfectly to a neat layout. Calculating transformer size for layout size - Classic Toy - Trains My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? Do not use this device if water is present. We use a ZW 275 and a KW on this, so 405 watts. DCS Power Supplies | MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS This has the added advantage that Lionel TMCC (command control) will operate correctly. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. Past,presentand future. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. You can't count on a lack of compatibility issues for one Legacy locomotive being definitive for all Legacy locomotives, for example. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. Twin coil machines have a higher current draw when in motion but are also much faster-acting than the motorized versions. Keeping in mind that I will likely continue to add to the layout as my addiction develops! Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. But it is important to take a close look at the cars to make sure that they are a good match for your set. 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). Lots of good information for building any size O Gauge layout. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. 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. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. 10 Easy Ways to Improve a Christmas Train Display, Compatibility of Different Model Train Brands, How to Build and Wire Reverse Loops for Model Trains, Wiring a Model Railroad for Block Operation, Wire Gauge Standards for Model Train Layouts, Model Train Track Grades and Maximum Grade Issues. 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. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. The transition section (#12040) allows you to connect conventional O Gauge track to FasTrack. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. Lionel Trains Pocket Price Guide 1901-2022. Ill try to find a link to it for you. How to Properly Size a Transformer | Behler-Young They are fun to have. Lionel Postwar 1033 Transformer Watch on (NEW/LIKE NEW), running TMCC And DCS engines with DCS handheld, terrible crash in Greece, multiple fatalities, Its.Public Delivery Track ..NEWSpecial run corner, Improving Appearance of 0-gauge Tubular Track. But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. One rail is positive, the other negative. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. 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. Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content. This conserves the trains' power supply for their needs and makes troubleshooting much easier. Can't plug into outlet? The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. Great for learning all you will ever want to know about Lionels track system. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. Price Received. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. They give a true 180 watts and have excellent electronic breakers. 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. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power 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. 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. Most recommend the TPCs over the powermasters The CW 80 will work to begin with. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. To determine the required transformer VA, multiply the secondary voltage by the required amperes: For example, VA=Volts x Amperes or 28V x 1.2 amperes = 33.6 VA. To determine the maximum transformer current, divide the transformer VA by transformer secondary voltage. JavaScript is disabled. 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. Lionel Trains|MTH Train|Lionel Train Sets| HO model Trains| G Scale|Dept 56 (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. Tales From Harmon Shops, WTB: LIONEL AUTRORACKS SPECIFICALLY SOUTHERN,GRAND TRUNK,BNSF,FERROMEX. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). The first is the traditional or classic size, which are the cars that match starter sets. If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful!

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