KW or ZW for TMCC and NON-TMCC trains?

[FEClionel]

Just purchased my first TMCC set last night. I got the Southern Pacific TMCC set for a rediculas price considering it has been disconituned for a while however its still a great set. Anyway now I need to upgrade my power source. I currently have use my Dad's 1044 and my CW. However I want more power for TMCC and accesories. The delema is my dealer has a post-war ZW in good to verygood- condition with a new cord and rollers for $175 and a mint KW with the box for $150. I don't plan on having a layout any larger than 4x8 for a while until I purchase a larger house(non basements in South Florida!). I will be running TMCC and NonTMCC trains. Which is a better choice. I've already sold my CW to a buddy(didn't like it anyway) the 1044 I'll have forever b/c its my dads. What do you all believe I should do

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

Dr.Fu-Manchu, The Train Guy, I like the KW( I own one) but you have two choices. The KW can run two trains and the 1044 can run everything else(choice 1) or go for the big
daddy(the ZW) and still use the 1044 to run the small stuff. (choice 2) Since the ZW
was built for 4 trains, In the long run it might be a better deal. It will save having to up
-grade power later. I f I was offered a deal like you are, I might go for the ZW, But that's me since I have a KW. Best of luck.[:)]

[Roger Bielen]

You might want to consider what your total watt loading will be. An article in the other magazine gives a true full load rating for old transformers at 68% of face value while r new transformers are rated at load, it seems with the new "what you see is what you get."

[FEClionel]

They both have pro's and cons. Every Lionel TMCC article I read or manual recommends using the ZW. Also its probably overkill for now but always expandable and is there anything I sould know about the ZW before purchase? I think $175 is a descent price eventhough its more than I want to spend.

[Anonymous]

Still have my KW from 1957, never really got much use, being retired I am using it to run 2 TMCC ovals on a 4 x 8 board. No problems, also a 1033 for another K-Line Switcher.
The KW works with TPC300 and Command Base with a CAB-1.
Your decision,either will do the job.

[FEClionel]

Well guys I got a ZW! Its my first BIG transformer. I purchased it today on my lunch hour from my local dealer for $158. Its in amazing condition with new rollers and a new cord. I thought the price was more than fair - hard to do any better at a train show or on EBAY. Anyway I couldn't be happier, I've wanted one of these since I first saw one when I was 7. So now I can run 4 trains and use my dad's 1044 for accessories- when I can afford to buy them. Wow 1 TMCC Southern Pacific train set, a 6250 NW-2 engine and a ZW in a week - no more trains for me for a while!