New or old transformer?

[yallaen]

My track accumulation continues..I've gotten my first O22 switches and will clean them up this weekend, along with several other speciality tracks.

My next purchases will be rolling stock..and a transformer to run the layout.

I've bid on several ZW transformers, and have gotten close to one (it went for $145) and had bid on another one that shot up to $246!!

So, my question is this: Should I just bite down and bid higher for the ZW, or just buy a new transformer? I am looking at the house we are about to purchase, and it has a large game room that would be perfect for some Lionel trains to run around the outside border...two tracks...maybe some siding...yardage for storage. I'd like some accessories as well. Hence wanting the oompf from the ZW.

Unless someone has other thoughts?

[Anonymous]

As a rule of thumb, transformers [except for PoHo bricks] sell for about $1 per watt. That means a post war ZW which has a net output of 180-90 watts, would sell in the $175 to $200 range and would sell in the upper range if it has been reconditioned---the lower range if not.
A new cord, new rollers/wipers, new binding posts where necessary ,and a pair of $3.50 anode to case diodes to replace the old copper discs for horn/whistle operation. All of this might not be necessary on a given ZW but if so, the components are less than $25. If you hire someone to do it i expect labor will run another $35. The "cost bear" is if you have to ship it so hopfully you can find someone withn driving distance. or do it yourself.

A reconditioned ZW is good for another 50 years of bulletproof operation and is compaible with all train control systems-----Conventional, DCS or TMCC. It is wise IMHO, to protect the transformer with fast-acting cartridge fuses mounted in a fuse block or inline fuseholders. you can also build a circuit breaker box for it if adverse to fuses.

[phillyreading]

For costs a new transformer is out of my price range. I have a 275 watt ZW and a 250 Z
and a KW that I use for mainline power. A reconditioned ZW is a very good transformer,
the new ZW bricks(or what ever Lionel calls them) are a lot of hot air and overpriced.
Are there any train shows near your area? It may be worth your time to check one out and buy a transformer there, most sellers will let you test the transformer before buying it and taking it home.
Be real and think, how many times will I need 180 watts or more to a single track? Even running two or three diesels together will not need that much power.
As for MTH Z4000, my personal opinion is that I don't need all those features to run my trains.
Lee F.

[jimhaleyscomet]

I believe someone on this forum sells rebuilt transformers for about $185. That would be a good deal. I have been burned buying transformers on Ebay (Noisy, bad cord, no whistles, dead C post). I think a train show might be your best bet. Take your time. Whatever transformer you have will run your trains if you use another one for the accessories.

Jim H

[jimhaleyscomet]

Also....the old transformers tend to have a pure sign wave that works for any of the new controls.

Jim H

[yallaen]

I guess I was looking at operating accessories, a couple engines..and the length of track. However, I've been reminded that I just need to have feeders along my track to ensure a steady powerstream..the "oompf" has nothing to do with it, correct?

Speaking of this..how far apart should my power feeds to the track be set?

FInally, is it better to get several cheaper, 90w or 150w transformers for accessories, and maybe a 190W for train operation?

[Anonymous]

As I have expanded and added to my layout the PW 275 Watt ZW I bought for $150 used at a local Hobby Shop was getting loaded pretty heavy. I decided to use it for mainline and switch operation only. I am now running lights through a 90 watt 1033 and operating accessories through a refurbed 125 Watt LW that I bought off ebay. Research sellers thoroughly and find someone who specializes in refurbing with many models to choose from (they are out there on the bay just do a Lionel transformer search). I am very happy with my finds. The LW cost me $78 shipped and is in truly excellent condition.

[Jumijo]

You can get a brand new 275 W MRC Dual Power controller for $210 that has a pure sine wave. Same money, brand new transformer.

Jim

[yallaen]

Jim stated:

QUOTE: Originally posted by jaabat

You can get a brand new 275 W MRC Dual Power controller for $210 that has a pure sine wave. Same money, brand new transformer.

Jim

Where might this be? That's cheaper than the ZW's I've been finding for the most part. However, doesn't the new MRC only have 2 throttle controllers?

[Jumijo]

http://www.charlesro.com/welcome_to_charles_ro.htm


Yup. Two thottles, plus a 14 V accessory line. That's why it's called Dual Power.

[Anonymous]

Jim
What is the maximum wattage output per railpower throttle of the MRC 275 Dual Power? I assume that unlike the single core pw ZW which can apply its maxium to a single throttle, the MRC has dual cores and splits its capacity, perhaps 137.5 watts per throttle??
$210 is a heck of a good price and the "rule of thumb" arithmetic is just over $.75 per watt.
Its only short coming that I can see is inability to supply up to 10 amps per channel to a TIU to maximize a power district in a DCS system. I don't have the system, but assume those who do prefer 180 watts or 10 amps per channel.

[Jumijo]

According to their web site, each side delivers 7 amps of power. They claim you can run TMCC, Protosounds, and Railsounds, but make no mention about DCS.

http://www.modelrectifier.com/products/trainSound/product.asp?ID=1247&Subcategory=AC%20power

http://www.modelrectifier.com/products/trainSound/product.asp?ID=1245&Subcategory=AC%20power

[jkerklo]

A ZW is impressive, but I have preferred the KW. 190 watts and two throttles. It has fixed posts for a number of accessory voltages. Even better, two KWs cost about the same, or less, than one ZW.

A VW looks like a ZW but is only 150 watts. Usually a lot cheaper than a ZW.

I sort of fell into discovering a great transformer for accessories. Lionel prewar transformers, like the "T" (100 watts) and "K" (150 watts) have multiple taps. Various tap combinations can yield voltages from 2.2 to about 27. Very useful. They do need to be inspected and the cord replaced, but they can be had on e-bay for very low cost. I think I paid more for shipping for some. (I bought six.)

John Kerklo
www.Three-Rail.com

[lionelsoni]

John, I bought a type T at a train show for $5. It's in perfect condition and even has the original, still supple, cord!

[jkerklo]

Bob, are you using it for accessories? One note, they are rated at 110 volts primary voltage. Secondary voltages need to be adjusted for modern house power.

I was very surprised at the construction. Better than many postwar transformers.

I replace the cord with a polarized plug so I don't have to worry about getting multiple transformer hookups out of phase.

John Kerklo
www.Three-Rail.com

[lionelsoni]

I use it to power my overhead loop, through two prewar rheostats. I have a big isolation transformer that I run the whole layout through, with taps set to give me about 110 volts. The type Zs are really cool with that voltage.