New Lionel Alco C-420 with tmcc (# 6-28218)

[Anonymous]

I have just purchased the Lionel Alco C-420 with tmcc (#6-28218). In the owner's manual it does not specify the minimum or maximum wattage transformer needed to run this engine. I do not have much of a layout
(8' x 8') with 2 switches.. I have an old 45 watt transformer that I intend on using for accessories. So the transformer that I buy will run the engine and 5 or 6 cars at a time. What choices of transformers do I have that will meet the minimum and maximum wattage requirements?

Thanks
Ernest Cardinale

[Anonymous]

Wattage... You need 16-18 Volts, I would bet you would need 100 + watts for it. I did run my CNJ H16 on a lionel 40 Watt transformer, did fine.

[ben10ben]

A dual motored engine with a good sized load and the smoke unit on draws right at 5 amps, according to the measurements I've taken. That amounts to about 80 watts at 16 volts, or 90 watts at 18 volts.

Under a small load, though, you get as low as 2 amps, which amounts to around 40 watts at 18 volts.

Keep in mind, though, that especially with older transformers, the rated wattage isn't always what you get. 45 watts is the rated input wattage, and the efficiency of a transformer is only about 75%. This means that your 45 watt transformer can realyl only output about 35 watts.

You definitely should try and replace it. If you want an older transformer, Lionel's LW, at 125 watts, would be an excellent choice for plenty of power for now. Lionel's new CW-80(80 watts) would also be a good choice, as would K-lines new 120 Powerchief.

[ben10ben]

By the way, as long as you have a good circuit breaker, you can never have too much wattage. The engine will only draw what it needs, and the rest will be available for use by other things.

[Locomotive681]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ben10ben

By the way, as long as you have a good circuit breaker, you can never have too much wattage. The engine will only draw what it needs, and the rest will be available for use by other things.

[#ditto][#ditto]