What to buy, a good used lionel zw transformer (275watts)or a new zw (180watts)?

[Anonymous]

I am in the market for either a good used zw or a new zw transformer . Can someone tell me the pros and cons of buying a used version vs,. buying a new modern version. I have seen a few refubished post war zw (R) 275 watts on ebay. It is selling between 250.00- 300.00 dollars. Is this a good purchase? I am wanting something that will be dependable for many years to come.

Thanks,

David [:)]

[Anonymous]

Transformer/power supplies should work out to about a $1/watt. Once you cross that, the unit should have some unique or highly desired features.

If you want to run primarily PostWar trains or modern trains sans fancy electronics (PS-2/PS-1/TMCC) a refurbished PW ZW is a pretty good choice. Units are almost indestructible and you can use these with modern equipment if you take some precautions like installing fast acting breakers between the transformer outputs and the track and adding solid state sound activation buttons instead of the whistle controllers on the units. Note: the old ZW's rating of 275 watts are what the unit consumed, not what it was capable of supplying, The sustained output load on a PW ZW is more like 180 watts.

The new ZW is a completely different animal. It is an electronic switching power supply coupled to 180 watt "bricks". You can feed up to four bricks into a new unit so it's total output can be a maximum of 720 watts and a solid 180 watts per channel. Unit also has the ability to work with Lionel's TMCC command base to allow walk around throttle capability and a few other tricks. You can download the manual from Lionel's web site and see if it's features are things you are looking for.

Other alternative is the Z-4000 from MTH. Unit is physically quite large as the step down transfomer is located inside the main case. Advantages, great programability of PS-1 and PS-2 (conventional mode) locomotives, built in amp and volt meters. Can be used in wireless mode by purchasing a remote commander set. Disadvantages, large physical size (about two to three times the physical size of the ZW case), only two 180 variable voltage circuits, high starting voltage 7 volts (on par with PW ZW).

I own/use a PW ZW for accesoies and use TPC/PH bricks to control trains. I use a Z-4000 to test/reprogram PS-1 loco's at a local shop.

[Anonymous]

Based on the rule of thumb of $1 per watt of capacity regarding throttle operated transformers, around $200 is appropriate for a pw 275 ZW. The ZW has a net output of 180-90 watts.
If a ZW has a new power cord, rollers are new or in good condition and the binding posts are not broken, it is worth $225-240. The horn/whistle rectifiers are likely shot and either installation of $3.50 40 amp stud diodes or use of a $15 external bell button will work.
You should use either an external circuit breaker or cartridge fuses to protect the unit since its old breaker is likely shot.

[phillyreading]

Welcome to forum David,

A good reconditioned ZW will last a long time, I prefer the postwar transformers to the new Lionel transformers. As far as buying one on ebay-buyer be ware! Go to a train show nearby and purchase a used ZW, you can usually test it before you buy it, can't do that with ebay. Don't spend more than $300.00 on a 250 watt or 275 watt ZW. Usually the circuit breakers are still good, but take a little longer to trip than the new transformers. May have to buy some new mini circuit breakers to use with a postwar ZW, install the breakers on the A, B, C or D side outputs to the track, that is for new locomotives.
Don't know everything about the new ZW's except that it is a multi-unit combo, the controls are separate from the transformers so more room is needed for the new ZW, also the transformers plug into the handle control assembly. The new ZW may be better for today's newer trains with the newer electronics, also more expensive than a postwar ZW with new circuit breakers.

Lee F.

[Anonymous]

Don't overlook the MRC Dual Pure Power AH601. I love mine! [:)]

[ChiefEagles]

Go over and post a WTB on this site. http://ogaugerr.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/frm/f/1961048701

Got my PW ZW from that site and only paid $150 plus shipping. Had been refurbed.