O Guage Track Layout Is Growing Fast And I Need More Power

[tex702]

My O guage layout has grown from one 4X8 sheet of plywood to four sheets. Needless to say my little 80 watt transformer is not doing the job. Would one of these ZW transformers with 250 watts solve my problems?

[mitchelr]

A lot will depend on your method of operation. Are you operating more than 1 train at a time? Do you have accessories and lights that need power? Do you have the track divided into blocks or sections with a power distribution system?

You may want to check out the thread labeled "Ready for my first basic wiring 101 lesson" It may have the answers to your wiring questions. You may also want to read some of the may threads on the CW 80 transformer and the ZW's.

Mitch

[Anonymous]

The postwar ZW [250 or 275 watt version] has a net output of about 180-90 watts and is a single core transformer with multiple power taps. Which basically means that, having four independent throttles, you can send all of the power to a single power district via one throttle or, split it between as many as four power districts[ from terminals A,B,Cand D].
The ZWs are now about 50 years old and have proven over the years of use to be bulletproof. However if buying a one you need to check for need to upfit it with new power cord, replace worn throttle core winding rollers and broken binding or terminal posts. Also, likely the old copper or selenium rectifier for the horn/whistle circuits are shot and can be replaced with 40 amp anode to case+ rectifier diodes. Parts are readily available from various Forum members.
Personally I use external fast blow fuses in the hot center rail line to protect my ZWs because their old or replacement breakers are not very good.

[mitchelr]

tex702.

Click on this link and it will take you to a discussion on transformers.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=59476

Mitch[:)]

[Anonymous]

The only reason to get "more power" is if you are using more power, aka more locomotives, illuminated passenger cars, or more operating accessories. If all you have added is track all you need to do is properly distribute the power from your existing power supply by using adequately gauged wire and an approptiate amount of track feeds.

While a classic PW ZW has four vaiable taps and you can set the VOLTAGE levels for these taps independant of each other, the internal wiring does not allow you to ballance the load. Current will flow to whichever output terminal "needs it" the most. While the units were rated at 275 watts, that was what they could consum. They were actually only capable of 180 watts sustained output to the track side. A new ZW can be equipped with up to four 180 watt bricks which allows you to control up to 720 watts on the output side.