Which transformer should I use?

[cnw1995]

Can you give me some advice? I've been using a R transformer on my layout and it just doesn't seem to have the omph to run my new K-Line passenger train. I was wondering if I should switch to use the K-Line trainset transformer with 120 on it or the Lionel trainset one I have which at least has a whistle buttom? I was thinking maybe the R transformer is 'splitting' its power since it's used to run both lines.

[Anonymous]

Doug,

I would recomend a Lionel KW. They are very powerful for the price(bang for the buck), beacause you can find ones that are good internally but have some playware at swap meets for $50-$100 . Plus, they have two throttes which even have two individual whistle circuits for the two reostats.

[cnw1995]

Thanks, Jerry, do you suppose I was right - that the R seems to give out 0-16 VAC and the K-Line and Lionel trainset transformers seem to go up to 18 - I was wondering if that 2 VAC would make a difference- make it worth switching for now - until I got something more powerful like you recommend.

[Anonymous]

I have taken my multimeter to the R's terminals, and it seems that you are very close.Mine puts out 15 volts on the B- C:F terminals at full power. I guess the extra two volts would help with like i.e., grades, long consists, etc.. The KW would probably put out 22-24 max on each throttle, depending on wheather your house is 115,120 or 125 volt. Usually 24volts is pretty strong for any locomotive.(Even magne-traction engines with good magnets fall off by then!)

[ChiefEagles]

I think Jerry is right on. I have two KW's. I use one to run all the trains right now. Will probably use both when the layout gets built. Passenger car lights really draw the "juice". That is why I think we should convert them to LED.

[DCmontana]

I have a ZW and a KW. Both have served me well. My layout is 4 by 10.5 feet Lionel O gauge regular track. I use the ZW as the only transformer now and I have a lot of lights on the board. I think many people are under powered and this seems to be your situation. The KWs are really a buy. I got mine in the old "Down Town Hobbies" store in Denver many years ago and it never gave me a problem and provided all the power I needed. I see them in stores and they are usually well below the price of a ZW. You can sometimes buy two KWs for the price of one ZW. I am planning a major expansion and it will be taking over part of the load. Go get a bigger power source and you will be happy! Jerrylovestrains recommendation is right on the money!

[Dr. John]

Doug, I agree with the others on the KW. I picked up a refurbished one on Ebay a couple of years back. Nearly as good as a ZW at less price. Keep your current transformer for lights and/or accessories. I have also picked up a couple of 1033 transformers - very good for accessories.

[FJ and G]

My understanding of transformers, which is very little, is that the best transformer to use is the one that matches your locomotives.

For instance, I've been trying to decide between a ZW and a Z-4000. All of my locomotives are MTH and Williams. Therefore, the Z-4000 would be the transformer of choice.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, pls.

[Anonymous]

I have seen VW transformers on E-bay. A 150 watt version of the ZW and less expensive. Does anybody have comments on them. I really need to replace the infamous cw-80.

I'm also curious about the Pure Power Dual by MRC. It looks like it will operate both Lionel and MTH systems.

Inquiring mind want to know
Bob

[ben10ben]

Bob,
As far as the VW goes, usually the price difference between it and a ZW isn't enough to justify the purchase of one as a layout transformer. With a KW, you get 40 more watts for usually $50-75 less than a VW. If you're going to spend $150 on a VW, you might as well spend the extra $50 and get 100 or 125 more watts from a ZW.

I agree with everyone else that a KW would be the way to go. I use one to power my floor layout, and it has never let me down. The only thing I don't like is the whistle control.

[cnw1995]

Ben, what don't you like about the whistle control?

[spankybird]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FJ and G

My understanding of transformers, which is very little, is that the best transformer to use is the one that matches your locomotives.

For instance, I've been trying to decide between a ZW and a Z-4000. All of my locomotives are MTH and Williams. Therefore, the Z-4000 would be the transformer of choice.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, pls.

Dave, the bigger question here is if you are planning on using DCS, as I know you are, then you really want a pure sin wave transformer. With that being said, the MTH Z-4000 is a pure sin wave [:D], the Post War ZW is all so a pure sin wave. If you do choose a postwar ZW then you must add circuit breakers between the transformer and the TIU. [B)]

If you are looking at an new ZW with power brick it gets confusing. I believe the power bricks are a pure sine wave, but the ZW has a built in TCP unit for controlling conventional engines which then crops the sine wave. Thus DCS doesn’t always like it.[:(]

tom

[Anonymous]

Where, if anyplace does the MRC fit in?

Bob

[lionelsoni]

Doug, low voltage seems to be your problem, not low power. You should be able to get about 24 volts from the Type R, using terminal A as the common rather than terminal B.

[spankybird]

QUOTE: Originally posted by W4BAR

Where, if anyplace does the MRC fit in?

Bob

I don't have one, but from what I have read it seems to be a good transformer. It is a pure sine wave, which both TMCC, DCS and conventional engines will like.[;)][8D][:D]

[ben10ben]

Doug,
The whistle control on the KW is a single lever that is turned one way to operate one whistle and the other way to operate the other whistle. It requires quite a bit of force to turn, and, in my experience, if not applying a downward force in addition to a sideways force, the lever will pop off.

[ChiefEagles]

plus Ben, [never had handle to come off] the handle turns the opposite direction of the handle you are using. [;)] Got separate direction buttons ont he same side as the handle you are using, would have been easy to put a horn button there too. You have to wire in a whistle controler if not using DCS or CAB1 remotes. Still a great bang for the buck.

[waltrapp]

I have the MRC dual 270 and used it on my DCS controlled Christmas layout. I used the fixed outlet to power 12 switches and the 'handles' to control 3 and sometimes 4 dual canned motored MTH RK engines. I have also use the MRC without DCS to control a PW F3.

All ran perfectly. It's supposed to output a pure sine wave too.

Lots of power and since I don't have an ammeter, I love the meters included.

- walt