what size lionel transformer do i need

Avr
2023
17

posted by on christopher mellon family

monopoly chance cards generator

The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. It does not work with O27. Here are some simple definitions for these electrical terms: Most power supplies will be labeled as to the scales they are meant to handle. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. Ill try to find a link to it for you. Wow.thanks for all the advice so far, guys!! 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. Extending the Reach of Your Power If youre looking for Lionel transformer comparisons, youve come to the right place. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Classification/marker lights on the PRR steam engine, For Sale: Lionel 6-11127 Legacy Southern Pacific GS-4 Daylight, Lionel Bethlehem Steel slag car and ATLAS NYC Baggage car, Lionel O 2333790 TrainWorld & RBP Trains Chris Raines -Exclusive - Katy LEGACY ES44AC #2021, Converting MTH Rail king GS-4 PROTO 2 to ERR Cruise Commander, The Harpers Ferry Layout II - Backdrop panels completed. Adding lights to buildings, streets, and other scenic accessories usually do not require anywhere near the amperage demand of the trains themselves. One rail is positive, the other negative. As your layout grows so, too, will its power demand. Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). Within that range, it is generally recommended to go for the most robust power supply possible. If you want a transformer with power to spare go get a ZW! 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. If you have a starter set and have had thoughts like this, youre not alone. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. 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 got a lot of lightweight transformers that came with starter sets over the years. It also has an optional bell sound that can be turned on and off. Smaller feeder wires are used to bridge the small gap from the bus to the track. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. My current layout uses about 28 sections of track (Lionel o-27). The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. The Lionel ZW has four sets of posts and six controls. Sell Your Trains To A Train Dealer or a Single Buyer. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. The iconic and legendary 270-watt Lionel ZW was the biggest and best transformer Lionel made in the postwar era. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. Thus an appliance with a 15-ampere plug (the usual kind with parallel blades) must draw no more than 12 amperes. However, if you begin to add lighted cars, or more than a couple accessories, you may find that your train will not run as fast, or that it will shut off entirely. They have everything you need for a basic setup, and the larger ones are capable of running the smaller layouts you see in the train magazines, so they have some room for growth. 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. These bus wires are often more important than the size of the power supply itself in getting good results. Most two-rail track systems use direct current (DC). Why Sign In? The Lionel Track & Power catalog is BACK with the latest information for more ways to make your layout even bigger, better and more powerful! From 25 Watts to 275 Watts, a Lionel transformer could be found for every power requirment from simple circles of track to extensive railroads. This drawing illustrates all of the key functionality of a Lionel KW transformer. Lionels HO Gauge items are back! Like command control, these trains still require a constant voltage to the rails. By creating alternate routes, more complex loops, and storage tracks, your trains will suddenly be even more interesting to watch and they will begin providing you the feeling that they are going somewhere and that you are running a small railroad. 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. RemembertheVeterans. Connecticut Valley Railroad -- A Branch of the New York, New Haven, And Hartford. Price Received. JavaScript is disabled. These can all have uses for your layout. These systems still require a power supply but it only needs to supply a constant voltage to the rails. $2799. electronically controlled outputs. The larger wire is usually more expensive and more challenging to work with. They do not include a track or power supply, so you will need to buy both separately. A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! Here are a couple examples: As you can see, with a bit of experimentation and imagination, numerous different track layouts can be created. Number 24 to Number20 wire will all work with most layouts. Find 500+ popular train rides, museums, and railroad vacation destinations in the U.S and Canada! 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. This is interesting stuff. There are also numerous static accessories that do not operate but add visual interest to your layout, such as the #24219 girder bridge. Again, an independent power supply and distribution bus is a good idea for your switches. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. The whistle requires more power than the outfits that don't have it. The Lionel RW also happens to be a great transformer for Marx or American Flyer trains too, when you connect the track leads to the B and U posts instead of the A and U posts youd normally use for most Lionel setups. The backside of a control panel can turn into a "rat's nest" of wiring very quickly. It is much easier to be ready ahead of time then to have to do some changes afterwards. Doug, there's definitely room for the liberal arts approach to the hobby--I have a journalism degree; how I became a computer technician was pretty much an accident. LGB throttles 51070, 52120 and 52121 will all work with the 50061 and other LGB transformers. 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. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. 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. TRANSFORMERS ransformers were issued by Lionel thoughout the Post War period. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. The preferred choice for wiring control panels is telephone or telecommunications wire. Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. Never had a problem. no it isn't. And that means theyre affordable. There have been issues with chopped waveform transformers, i.e. Add a PW dual motor F3 (4 amps) with 5 lighted cars (another 10 bulbs - 1 amp) and you are cooking (9 amps). Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. If your going to run anything more that what came with the set then you should probably upgrade to something a little bigger. Checklist Transformer Size Calculator When sizing a transformer, you need to know the kilovolt-amps (KVA) that your machine requires. Can't plug into outlet? You can also minimize voltage drop at the rail joints by soldering the rails together. 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. I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. I have since wired the new transformer to my layout along with the old ZW. 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. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. 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. However, there are times when the solid wire has advantages, particularly when soldering in small locations. 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. The article you suggest would be a daunting task, as you'd have to gather virtually every known locomotive and transformer! Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. Most power supplies will perform very well for years if used within their limits. And of course, Lionel also makes lots of figures to populate your town. This works for command control layouts too, since those parked trains are still drawing some current. This comes primarily from the locomotive(s) but also from lights and other accessories. While better starter sets usually include a more robust transformer, as a general rule the power pack supplied with your starter set is just thata start. Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. Tech Support for the OGR Forum (NOT FOR TRAINS), PRR fellas!lets build an S2!! Lionel 1033 90 Watt Multi-control Transformer (102) $9.99 1 bid $16.00 shipping 2d 9h Lionel Type Z 250 Watt Transformer & One 167 Whistle Controllers. Traditionally, Lionel trains run on AC but there are exceptions. If you are using only LEDs for lighting, you could get away with even less. Although I am an electrical engineer, I just add stuff until the transformer gets too warm and then I branch off and add another. To build on the point you are running MTH trains and therefore will probably go DCS eventually: I would break the track into blocks of about 5 feet in length. 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.". The smallest wire you can work with will be more than sufficient. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Like tankist stated.It's only running multiple engines that I run into issues. I've had light 'arguments' with fellow hobbyists claiming most of their fellows are predominantly technically - oriented vs. what I would consider is a more liberal artsy approach - any way it's a great balance. But it is important to take a close look at the cars to make sure that they are a good match for your set. If you have a very long run, you may want to consider Number 12 wire. Price Received. properly wired transformer can handle any amount of track. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. 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)! 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. Ryan developsmodeltrainlayouts for public andprivate display. Mark. 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. I'm guessing the MTH Z1000 is around $100 and the other suggestions are much more expensive. 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. The power supply that comes with these sets is usually a very small wall pack plug-in that cannot be easily expanded. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. Max Watts on one TIU is 720W. Needless to say the "Spring into Spring" train show very nearly became unsprung! * NOTE: We do not recommend loading a transformer above 80% of its KVA rating. That might work, but it's probably borderline, especially if you are using something like a 1033 transformer that tops out at 16 volts. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. To participate you must either login or register for an account. 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! http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered 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. 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. Get updates and special offers via email from Trains.com brands! Ran 6 motors [MPC's]. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. HO gauge is very popular because of its size. 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. The Atlas and Bachmann 80 watt transformers, they are one and the same, can be had for around $75.00. But if you already have a 1034 and dont need a whistle button, go ahead and use it. A starter set is the best way to start with the train hobby. They run on O Gauge track, but they are not exact O Scale cars. To participate you must either login or register for an account. If you fried a wire going to the track it may not be a transformer problem. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) Multi-conductor wires with many strands of finer wire are more common for telecommunications and electronics. (10 lights X . The locomotives are battery-powered and made of durable plastic. 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. Mike, The size of the transformer is dictated by what you want to run, the more you run the more power you will need. Lionel CW80's can be found for around $50 at Greenberg and other train shows. Also, you wont be able to take advantage of independent control of multiple engines on the same track without a digital controller. Use the CW-80 Transformer only for its intended purpose. This means that you will have about.5 volt drop if your train draws 5 amperes. Come join the discussion about brands, various scales, repairs, storage, displays, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Different wiring projects call for different standards. It's expensive, but the same factors that drove KW prices down are also driving ZW prices down. . Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. Professionals Need: Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime: Prime Video Direct The 190-wattLionel KWwas the second biggest and second best transformer of the postwar era. The least expensive power supply you should consider is the Lionel CW80 Transformer; you can buy a new one for about $150 or a used on one eBay for about $60. I will make a note here. By only supplying power to the trains that need it, you can greatly reduce your needs. Just get a Lionel #12053 Accessory wire set and enough extra wire to connect from the wire set back to your transformer [speaker wire works well]. 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. I don't want to buy a lot more track, but then find out the transformer is too weak, if that make sense. I am assuming that your starter set came with either o27, brown ties, or 031, black ties, track and it runs well as is. The greatest transformer Lionel made in the postwar era was the 270 watt Lionel ZW. The typ miniature incandecents we use average about 100 ma of current each. Just not quite as much. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. 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?. And both of them give more wattage per handle than a KW or ZW. 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. Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). If the second digit is 9, it could be either, so be careful when considering one of them. In most cases, because we are dealing with relatively low voltage and amperage and in a normally stable temperature and humidity climates, our wiring does not require any extra insulation. There are many advantages in repairing or reconditioning your transformers. 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. All Lionel transformer comparisons should start here. Accessories often interact with the train, such as a crossing gate that lowers as the train passes. --Build a Better Toy Train Layout, by John Grams and Dick Christianson. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. To my knowledge, you should have no compatibility issues with a pure sine wave track feed with any major brand locomotive. Digital command control systems (DCC) uses digital information to control the electrical power to the train. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? Sign-up for email today! The 110-wattLionel RW is a cheap option, and the 125-watt LW, while a bit more expensive, gives a bit more power. Price Received. You don't really need a diagram -- you want to pick your interval (some would recommend as often as 3'), drill a hole down through your base, and connect a wire to a bus which runs beneath the layout and connects to your transformer (obviously, you need two wires, one for each powered rail). 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. 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. My question is this in order that this doesn't happen again what type of transformer would you recommend? But were talking the trains that are in the absolute best condition and might not have ever run on the track. White and black are common selections. --The O Gauge Railroading Primer, by Christopher Ritchie. Get 20 articles about compact layouts and how to build them. A large number of the Lionel Collectors Club UK use this set up to good effect. The modern equivalent is the Lionel CW-80, but frankly I like the old ones better. Then the K's will do siding and switching yard duty. 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. The new Lionel ZW-L is getting a lot of good reviews and is a very powerful transformer for most layouts. Transformers are designed to fail if a short in the secondary or control side occurs. 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. Sell Your Trains Through an Online Auction Service. These transformers are much cheaper than they were even just a few years ago, but that just makes them a bigger bargain today. Like all electronic products, you want to make sure your power supplies are rated by the appropriate body for your country (UL for example). There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, so you'll need to consider what you want to do and measure your options accordingly. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. 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! I really doubt you will need more than that. (Electrical Contractor with dear old Dad for 30 years) Regards Steve. --I wish I had some more cars to put behind the engine. For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. In some cases. Solid wire is preferable as it is much easier to solder to the rails. 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.

Lock Up Garage For Sale Leigh On Sea, Articles W

what size lionel transformer do i needReply

Article rédigé par how to create a text game in javascript