Transformers are sized by determining the total load required (in amps). Retrofitting a subway line into existing benchwork - and are subway sets still being made? I cant see you needing more than a capacity of 5 amps. Part of the Lionel line since the 1930s, the gateman today is offered not only with a regular railroad-type figure, but also in versions with Santa Claus and a nutcracker figure for the Christmas season. Adding more freight or passenger cars [also known as rolling stock] to your set is another way to quickly expand your railroad. I know this has nothing to do with Mike's original problem but is more of a reflection on Trainman's reply. 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. I will make a note here. It was a symbiotic relationship, the engineer designed it and the tech built it, then they both troubleshot it. One rail is positive, the other negative. I didnt mention the 1034 above because its easier to find a 1033. 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. Extending the Reach of Your Power Lionel makes two expansion sets for this purpose. The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. They're controlled with a simple handheld remote control and run on easy-to-connect plastic track. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. If you found this post informative or helpful, please share it! (8 lights X 20 watts = 160 watts). Don't just discard your starter set pack, though. 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. Lionel Ready-to-Play is a large sized train that's made to be affordable and easy-to-use for both kids and adults alike. As Paul said, the power needed doesn't have anything to do with the distance; but the voltage needed does. 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 thing that eats current is a lot of light bulbs on the layout. The larger transformers could operate up to four trains independently. (Use buss/feeder lines to distribute power.) A bigger transformer is better and always looks nicer too! In most cases, stranded wire is preferred because the multiple threads provide more conductivity and flexibility. $7.89 delivery Feb 2 - 6. Then power every other one with one of your smaller transformers. The polarities can be reversed to change the direction of the train. That could also be the reason the other transformers don't work. Make sure you are getting the right type of power supply for your layout. It states: 1.25 amps for each motor, 0.2 amps for each bulb. Both are lighted. You can also run Lionel TMCC/Legacy Command Engines using the MTH DCS system with the addition of a Lionel command base and an additional cable. Now, I diconnected that old dinosaur and connected two separate smaller ones which weren't powerful enough to run my Amtrack MTH trains. Sell Your Trains Yourself At Train Shows. David, looking at your layout I notice there is a two rail and a three rail ? Lionel introduced a few LionChief Plus 2.0 starter sets in 2022. Ok our layout is 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft x 2 = 400 watts. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you have the proper wire size and a properly-sized circuit breaker, you should not have any problems using the old transformer. 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. You could have a poor connection that caused the wire to heat up. Below weve listed these transformers in numerical order in the Numerical Index. The Lionel Multi-control 1033 is a 90 watt transformer produced from 1948 to 1956. It does run on conventional power but not great and no whistle or bell. 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. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. Good choices are the Lionel 32923 Accessory Transformer, or another 80-watt transformer like the one included in your set, #14198. I have noticed that my old transformers do not work well or not work at all with newer electronic whistle tenders. The chances are that little power supply isn't going to keep the train running over a full mile, however. The two types of cars will connect together just fine, but when side-by-side in a train, they may look a bit odd. Number 26 to 20 wire (depending on the length of your bus) will be sufficient for most applications. Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; RemembertheVeterans. For Lionel power the 45 watts is good for a 4 by 8 as a rule of thumb to compensate poor track you just use more feeders. The Lionel motor is a collection of four electromagnetic plates with a rotating sweeper arm called a brush. 5 years of Classic Toy Trains at your fingertips! An Essential Guide for Toy Train Enthusiasts! Ive talked about why here. 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. 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. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW. With multiple switches, lights, power supplies and more all concentrated in a small space, color coding and neatness pay off. 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. The smaller the number, the larger the wire. Trainz carries a variety of books that build upon the information listed above. Are you running command or conventional? A small set that came with track, transformer, etc. Most people start with a pre-packaged train set. Lionel is also introducing a new 180 watt transformer to accompany the 80 watt CW 80. 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. IF the Engineer is the guy that drives the locomotive then theTechnician must be the fireman is this correct? I think the RW is a bit better value, but that could just be timing. These small power supplies are designed to supply a few amps of power. It is not uncommon to see 50-year-old transformers still going strong on a model railroad. This tool only evaluates common voltages for North America (ie. In addition to the wire itself, connectors like crimp-on terminals and terminal blocks must also be purchased in larger (and more expensive) sizes. If youre buying a transformer, youll be able to easily find one that a professional refurbished and upgraded with the links I provide below. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The 1033 is not the same as the 1044. Transformer sizing for new systems OTTS Founder The Lionel 1033 is a great choice for small or medium-sized layouts. Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following, $12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable). Subscribers, sign in to access exclusive content. 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]. Frankly, its hard to go wrong with either of these transformers, especially at todays prices. Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month, WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mike!! If you add a lot of track and find that your train slows down as it gets farther from your transformer, you will need to run jumper wires to the opposite side of your track layout. 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. 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. (using 4 of the 180 watt Lionel bricks) That's 10 amps per channel on all 4 channels. Sell Your Trains Using a Live Auction House. For a passenger train with lighted cars, getting a little more power isnt a bad idea. Plan on using the KW's for the big layout and 1033's like I did before. Big Ed Railroad Tycoon All of the transformers that have more than 90 Watts are in great demand today as more collectors are operating retro-layouts. 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. Here at Trainz, we carry all of the products you will need to go from a starter set to a miniature railroad empire. Make your Christmas complete with a Lionel HO Train under your. Because of this, like with lighting and accessories, your power supply and wiring for switch machines do not need to be as robust. White and black are common selections. Best bang for the buck for command are the Lionel 180W Powerhouse bricks IMO. --Toy Train Collecting and Operating, by John Grams. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more. Over the years I have collected boxed(mostly liquor boxes) sets from attics.So I have a variety of transformers on hand. Right now I am running 8 motors on one KW [the new one I found] and got the old one for reserve. Beginners Ask Trains New trains; old transformers. This is interesting stuff. 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. The car on the left is scale, and the one on the right is the classic, underscale size. Service/Tested $55.00 1 bid $14.06 shipping 1d 6h LIONEL TYPE (KW) TRAINMASTER TRANSFORMER FOR PARTS OR RESTORATION $17.05 4 bids $19.95 shipping 9h 23m To participate you must either login or register for an account. I recently acquired a beautiful Lionel NH Alco 420. As far as new transformers go, someone else may be able to help more than I can. A. I would check yoour connections and wire size, just to be safe. He directs production at Lionel, the premier model train manufacturer, and he istheformer president of theConrail HistoricalSociety. But Lionel now produces four Track Expansion Sets, which expand this basic loop into something more exciting. Stop it with your hand to full stall, and it goes up to four amps--sixty watts--trying to pull. It was one of Lionel's more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. [:)]. 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. 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. It will require a minimum of 108' of track just to do a basic rectangle before I add any switches, etc. This signifies compatibility with 50 Hertz power. This will spread the load of your lighted passenger consist across the two transformers. I thought an ENGINEER was the guy driving the train? Sell Your Trains Yourself On eBay. As the motor takes in more electricity, the arm turns faster and faster. 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. That's about enough to run a single locomotive and perhaps power a few lighted accessories or passenger cars. By continuing to use this site, you indicate you accept these terms. They are fun to have. 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. 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. A 10 amp breaker and 16 gauge wire would be appropriate for an old ZW. Serious or fatal injuries may result. The wire can also be purchased as solid or stranded. Everything you need to get going is included, its reliable, and setup is usually very easy. http://www.lccuk.org.uk/lccuk Regards Nick Save Reply Quote N Nick12DMC Registered 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. Not unlike the relationship between the locomotive engineer and the fireman. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 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. The other type of cars are the Scale cars, which are exact or near-exact replicas of actual freight cars. Mike to the forum. Yes, but the train will probably run too fast, depending on the output voltage of the transformer. Price Received. 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?. 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. I use to use one KW for 70 feet of main line, sidings and switching yard entry track. what size lionel transformer do i need. 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. American Flyer Trains were made in several gauges. All members here are welcome to drop in and visit. I talk more in depth about the 1033 here. 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. This tool will allow you calculate the KVA that you need. Again, if you have a very long run between switches, going a little larger is less likely to cause problems with voltage loss. 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.

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