Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers' Henry V. I am a person with a very active inner child. M3103. 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. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. 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. 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. A Passenger consist can easily use more power than the engine. 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. I have a 3amp, 40watt transformer. If they do, follow their recommendations. If you like, tell us more about yourself. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. "O" Gauge is what Lionel is today, along with "O27". These sets use a remote control which talks directly to a receiver in the locomotive. 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. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. Hello, I'm new to this site, and completely new to toy trains also - so please pardon my ignorance! If you need a device that converts from different voltages so it can power another device, then a transformer will fulfill that role perfectly. Forgot about light bulbs since I don't got some yet. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. To amplify CTvalley's very valid instructions: A forum community dedicated to model train owners and enthusiasts. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. A locomotive on a mile-long loop will draw as many amps as it does on a 4x8 platform. 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. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. 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. 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. Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. CW80 Transformer. For a classic setup of a single freight train running on a 48 (or smaller) sheet of plywood, a 90-wattLionel 1033 or 1044 is an excellent choice. Effort. You have pretty much pointed up the major problem, everything is different. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. 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. Viola, DCS on alternate power blocks, Max signal, Happiness. Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. Never had a problem. The good news is, Lionel made a lot of good transformers over the years. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. They are known as HO train sets because they are half the size of O-guage. to run conventional you will need Legacy plus a Powermaster and Powermaster Bridge or Legacy and a TPC 300/400. It can be a great secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. The load voltage and load amps must be known to calculate KVA rating. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. 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. Different wiring projects call for different standards. EXPLORE FasTrack 10" Straight Track 4-Pack 6-12032 $ 21.99 FasTrack Grade Crossing with Flashers 6-12052 $ 99.99 FasTrack O36 Curved Track 4-Pack 6-12033 $ 21.99 Legacy AMC-2 Motor Controller I thought you wanted information related to your layout not operations at a trains show. 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. Do not operate the CW-80 Transformer with a damaged cord, plug, or case. 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. As you progress with your layout there are a lot of people here who will help you with any questions you have. It is best to use at least two different colors for your track wiring (one for each rail). Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. 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. The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. 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. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. Should it be a Lionel or should it be an MTH with command control? You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. 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. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". For more realistic operation, you need some kind of speed control (throttle) between the 10340 Automatic Reversing Unit and your transformer. Check out my O scale layout progress at MTF, does track consume power? For safety reasons, the batteries were soon replaced by a 110 volt transformer. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. Extending the Reach of Your Power I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. 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. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. 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?. Serious or fatal injuries may result. White and black are common selections. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. "What size wire should I use?" Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. 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. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. I paid $75 + shipping for mine a year ago. At an average 14 volts - this is 9x14 = 126 watts - the ZW is getting quite warm and I have not run an accessory or another train yet! Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. This is because the demands for power are becoming more than your transformer can handle. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Hello All: Another simple way of doing it, Only load the transformer to 75% of it's capacity, or take your total load & multiply by 125% for proper transformer sizing. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another.
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