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Transformer Help

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  • Member since
    April 2003
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Transformer Help
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 4:07 PM
I need help selecting a new transformer. I have a 4'x8' O-scale "tabletop" type layout. Current devices are: Lionel NYC starter-set type steam engine/tender, RMT Beep Diesel loco, lighted caboose (1 for each engine), Lionel crossing gate w/ lights (wired to accessory power and operated via insulated track sections), 2 lighted bumpers, 2 O-31 Lionel remote switches, block target signal operated via 153-IR controller wired to accessory power, and I plan to add a rotary beacon and a couple more powered accessories (diesel engine pump station and maybe the Lionel Tower w/ figures that move about). I only run one engine at a time, and park the other on a seperate block-wired siding. Currently running a Lionel BW-80 and figure I am about at the limit of that unit. Don't really want to ante up for a ZW quite yet. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks.
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Fairview Park , OH
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Posted by johnnyc on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 7:01 PM
How about another CW-80 , use one for accessories the other for trains . I see about a dozen on e-bay everyday for well under $100.00 . johnnyc.
  • Member since
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  • From: Frankfort, Kentucky
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Posted by ben10ben on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 8:00 PM
A Lionel postwar LW. It delivers 125 watts, has a whistle control, an excellent lighted dial that changes in intesity according to the throttle setting, and can be had usually for under $60.

The Lionel TW has most of the same features as above, but has 175 watts, and sells for under $80.

And, finally, the KW has two throttles and 190 watts.
Ben TCA 09-63474
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 10:24 PM
I second ben's LW. I love LW's and have 3 on my layout. They are the best watt/buck out there. The ZW is over rated and can really only pull two trains not four. I would get a LW and use it on the train only. Use that 80 watter for all the other stuff.

Charlie
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Boca Raton, FL
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Posted by willpick on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 5:21 AM
The LW,TW or KW are excellent choices for your present setup. If you are going to expand your engine roster with ones that have Railsounds[Lionel/K-Line] or Protosound 2[MTH], I'd reccomend that you buy a K-line Powerchief transformer--- It has a output rating of 120W[the Lionel units are rated by input power] . It also has a bell & horn/whistle buttons to activate the sounds.

A Day Without Trains is a Day Wasted

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 7:14 PM
Lionel power house brute is th old 250 watt Z. I goes to 25 volts on each of 4 different outputs and does wonders for powering 4 different command mainlines.

You can set the max voltage on each main with the dial and you don;t have to mess with phasing different transformers together as it is in phase with itself.
I just happen to have a reconditioned one for sale now.
Check svc trains. dave roxin.
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Austin, TX
  • 10,096 posts
Posted by lionelsoni on Thursday, December 16, 2004 9:06 AM
The Z is great--I have 3 of them--but be warned that it doesn't have a whistle control or a reverse button, just those 4 knobs.

Bob Nelson

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