If you want a station for your trains to stop at, there are both station platforms [#24159] as well as full sized stations [#14257]. The accessory activation track (#12029) is used to activate Lionel trackside accessories. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. --Heck, watching one train run is great, Ill bet TWO would be even more fun! Number 22 solid wire works best on most scales. Classic Toy Trains magazine offers information about toy trains operating and collecting, toy train product news and reviews, toy train layout tips, toy train layout designs and track plans, and more. Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. I have one R transformer from which I run everything - but only 1 train at a time and a few accessories for a layout in a space about 24 by 10 ft. 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. Improve ready-to-run freight cars with a little paint. The farther from the transformer the more resistance in the rails and your engine will slow down. You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. 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. From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. 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. 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. Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. 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. Sign up for new product releases, promotions, and more. Buyers truly want all-original trains that have never been tampered with. My question is.how big of a transformer will I need to power this thing? This will solve the slowdown problem. Its a good transformer. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! Thanks! You don't want to try to solder even Number 16 gauge wire right to your rails, however. Controlled Magnetics has the manufacturing experience, knowledge, and facilities to repair a wide variety of electrical power transformers. The KW used to be really expensive, but since Lionel started making big transformers again, you can get a KW for what a 1033 used to cost, which makes it a very nice bargain today on a rugged and powerful transformer with an impressive presence. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. It has FasTrack connectors on one end and O Gauge track pins on the other. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. 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. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. What about removing flanges from diesel wheels? 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. 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)! I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. When you get DCS, keep the blocks and run the 2 sets off 2 Fixed channels out. For a 300W set up this will cost you about 100. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. 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. 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. editors report that most of the wiring issues they address involve basic principles of electricity - the stuff that Ben Franklin played with when he flew his kite. You must be signed in to continue. 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. 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. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. How to Properly Size a Transformer | Behler-Young We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Never had a problem. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. This diagram shows all of the controls and the pinout for the Lionel RW transformer. You should always, always test your transformer for safetybefore you set it up, andunplug it when youre not using it. 12V DC to 120V AC 60Hz pure sine inverter. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. Why Sign In? Now, I am going to make a suggesstion that you use a larger diameter curve for your corners. The 1044 is just a 1033 in a . Fortunately, in the early 21st century it is easier to expand your starter set than ever before. Dang, this math makes my head hurt. In three-rail systems, the outer rails are both grounded, and the center rail is "hot.". Choosing the Right Transformer for Your Model Trains - The Spruce Crafts The 1044 is just a 1033 in a different case. QUOTE: by Skyray "Typical engineer--you need a technician. So far, I haven't seen any way to do this except to take amp measurements or just wing it and see how hot your transformer gets. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. 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. Faq No: 1029 If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. 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.". But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. THE BASICS "O", "S", "HO". Price Received. Heavier insulation not only adds to the cost of the wire but also makes it harder to bend. Ryan Kunkle is a nationally recognized professional model train expert and writer with over 25 years of experience. Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. The CW-80 Transformer was meant to operate on 120-volt, 60-Hertz power. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. 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 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. how much track can a transformer handle? | Model Train Forum Lionel 1033 Transformer Renovation Part I - YouTube Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. How do you choose the right power supply for your model trains? Handbook of layout wiring | Classic Toy Trains Magazine This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. Join Today! American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. 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. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. With two switches, you can create an alternative route for your trains. 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. The same is true for other electronic projects around your layout and inside buildings, train cars, and even locomotives. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. And if the power supply does fail, it is best not to repair it on your own. Used 1033's for sidings and the switching yard its self. The Lionel ZW is Lionel's most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. Today, with some luck, you can get one for closer to $100. Many will still run on the track in your starter set, but because they are scale sized, the bodies of these cars may be slightly wider and longer than those in your set. A solid and stranded wire of the same gauge will be the same total diameter. The choice of a control system is somewhat, but not necessarily, dependent on which manufacturers engines you prefer or have the most of. Some systems will use bluetooth technology enabling you to control the trains with your tablet or cell phone. 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. Here are some guidelines for the most common wiring jobs you'll find. Ill try to find a link to it for you. Just not quite as much. 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. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. If this happens, you will need another transformer to share the load. Take the hint. Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. 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. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. I'm sure I'll need more help along the way, so I'll be checking back in with more silly questions! Lionel Vintage Model Railroad & Train Transformers - eBay There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. What size Lionel transformer do I need? If the transformer fails, you most likely have a short or overload somewhere in the control circuit. This is where the Lionel transformer comparisons should begin. Three conductor wire is common for household use. Are you looking for a product or serviceif so, then read this BEFORE you post! It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead. Not wanting to give up, I experimented with an 80 watt modern Lionel transformer and got great results. Lionel trains value varies depending on design, materials, and era. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. JavaScript is disabled. 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. electronically controlled outputs. Ive talked more about the Lionel RW and the LW as well. When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. M3103. Because the runs are short and power demands so low, this fine wire poses no safety threat.

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