delwoodjef I have a KW and an LW; I like them both ...My question is, can these two transformers be hooked up in phase with each other?...
I have a KW and an LW; I like them both ...My question is, can these two transformers be hooked up in phase with each other?...
Yes.
Common on the KW are the "U" posts. Common on the LW are the "A" posts.
Rob
I have a KW and an LW; I like them both. The LW has the green light, and I'm a sucker for those old lights.
My question is, can these two transformers be hooked up in phase with each other? I've used them independently from one another in the past.
After my old Lionel Scout transformer burned out, I needed something. About all I could afford was an LW. My Dad went to a convention in Chicago and promised to bring one home. I could hardly get to sleep the night before he returned. Opening the box was just like Christmas! I spent many hours at the throttle of that LW.
Terry
My favorite for style and functionality is the Lionel LW.
Here are 3 postwar transformers I recently scored off E-Bay:
250 watt ZW
150 watt VW
150 Watt Type V
Virginian Railroad
thankeyIf your desire is for no fuss, no muss power, consider the TW. They get the job done and can be quite a bargain.
The TW is ideal for your small layout. It IS a radical departure from all other Lionel transformers, though.
The TW is essentially two 90 watt (1033 type)transformers in one housing, the most it can output for train control is ~ 60-65 watts, but the accessory load can also be this high too w/o affecting train performance.
The similar SW(almost identical case) would be better for you if you have larger engines like a two-motor F-3 as it can be loaded to it's full output(~ 105-110 watts) on either A-U or B-U. A-U has the whistle/horn control. Train speed & load will affect accessory performance, though.
There's something about post war transformers that is really fascinating. To attest to that fact, see the following list of what's available for my layout.
The style and decent power of the LW puts it near the top of my favorite list. It's not really old-school in appearance but a tasteful transition piece.
The KW's are really a good bang (watt) for the buck and, in my opinion, attractive in appearance. The throttles are a little cumbersome though.
If your desire is for no fuss, no muss power, consider the TW. They get the job done and can be quite a bargain. The SW ranks about the same but the attempt to modernize its look falls short, and to me detracts from the overall package.
The Q, R, & Z are all great examples of transformers with no fluff. They just have the power to run the trains. Lack of whistle and direction is more than acceptable when you consider the era.
The RW, 1033, 1034, and 1042 are all nice compact units appropriate for the smallest of layouts or sidings / spurs or trolley routes.
Without regard to power, if someone said I could keep only one, it would be the LW.
1033
#1
90
#2
1034
75
1042
KW
190
#3
LW
125
Q
R
100
RW
110
SW
130
TW
175
Z
250
18
2,450
Did I mention that my layout consists of O-27 tubular comprised of 8 curve sections and 4 straights? It's a door layout in that it hangs on the back of the extra bedroom door when not in use.
Do you think I have enough power? Yeah, you're right, I need more.
I'm partial to the postwar electronic transformer.
Robert
http://www.robertstrains.com/
I have a 30B that I tried to get used to a few years ago. But having the two controls turn in opposite directions kept me continually confused. I'm also used to turning down the voltage to cycle the e-unit and was frustrated by having to lift the handle. I replaced it with a second Lionel Z and am much happier with that.
Bob Nelson
Lionel2: I agree 100%. I've been watching the ZWs on E-bay, and even with this crummy economy, the prices being paid for them are OUTRAGEOUS. Some are in TERRIBLE condition, yet they are selling for $100+. But the Type Z is selling for peanuts. No, the Z doesn't have the "feel" of a ZW with the vertical throttle handles, and it doesn't have the "Lionel mystique" associated with the ZW, but for raw power it can't be beat.
mack: You answered a question I was about to ask. I wondered if anyone was using an AF transformer to run their Lionel layouts. Some of those AF transformers look VERY cool and they can be had for a lot less than Lionel transformers of comparable voltage.
The 30b A.F. 300 watter is powerful,great looking,but hard to find (at least around here).
The 275 watt ZW is a great performer.But mine wore out the carbon rollers and I have never got around to replacing them .Got three more packed away,but they haven't been used since we picked them up in the 70's.Heck they may not have used since the 50's or 60's.
So right now I'm using an A.F. 12b dual handle 250 watt.It works great on my little temp. layout.Just won't blow the Lionel whistle without a button.
I guess their all good if they work for what you need
Collin ,operator of the " Eastern Kentucky & Ohio R.R."
Thats awesome. I have (4) Z's and a ZW and KW running my setup. Believe me, the Z is the best of them all. I run my trains and accessories with my Z's. I have just about all the postwar big accessories you can think of. Z packs a punch. And to answer that question. Yes, when I run my 1615 or 2037, they nearly fly off. But, I know better than to go full bore. You crank it up when you want that smoke unit juiced up. Yes, I have some 167's. But, I dont use them. I have a 118 Whisle shack now that I use for sounds. Will be getting a 114 for the horn sounds soon. As for directions, I just power down and then back up. I believe I picked up all 4 Z's for around....humm...$220...around there. I know I got one for $40 and another for $50. two in one day at the show. Then another for $80 and one for $90. Thats $260 grand total. I was little off. But, why spend $200 on a ZW that only has 18 volts. when you can get 25 volts for half the price and just get some $10 167's for controls and whatever. thanks.
Just got my E-Bay-purchased Type Z yesterday. Put the voltmeter on each pair of terminals,.WOW!!! 25 volts out of each one of them!!! This has to be the "sleeper" transformer in Lionel's whole lineup. They say if you put a train on it and crank it all the way up, it's a guarantee launch off the track. I don't doubt it. Only downside I can see is the lack of whistle and direction controls. But a visit to Trainz.com scored me a type 167 whistle/direction controller, so no sweat there. Best part is the transformer only cost me $99.
Cool! I like that KW setup. I just scored a 150 watt Type V for only $45 and it looks to be in minty condition.
I use KW's, I like there looks and they are way cheaper per watt than ZW's.
Paul
dbaker48Why didn't any of the Lionel Xformers have a power "On/Off" switch? Do you think the intent was to force the unit to being unplugged?
It was probably a combination of reasons.
Mom or dad could see from across the room if the transformer was unplugged or not.
A switch on a transformer adds expense & takes up real estate while reducing simplicity & reliability all without affecting operation.
Another question... some Lionel transformers did in fact have power "On/Off" switches built in to them... what year did the first one come out?
Using the pw ZW for powering switches, accys, and lights. (New ZW for track power). Should do something with a KW, and LW holding down the workbench.
Question: Why didn't any of the Lionel Xformers have a power "On/Off" switch? Do you think the intent was to force the unit to being unplugged? Curious about that!
Don
I run a ZW for my tracks and TW for my accessories. I love the look of the old transformers. With proper fusing and transient voltage protection they are just as safe as the new ones IMHO.
Charlie a.k.a. MichiganRailRoad714 (Charter Member TTC)
I have a ZW275-R. Received used. Had 'Trainland' replace the old cord and overhaul it for a very nominal cost. I don't know if it is the "best" but it sure works fine for me.
What a COOL thread!!! I found it by sheer luck. I find that I have become a transformer accumulator....or maybe a transformer addict. I started out with an MTH Z-4000. BTW...to Lee who said "Getting back to more of the original post here, I can run four trains at one time on four different tracks with a post war ZW, can't do that with a Z-4000!"I can run way more than 4 trains on ONE track using my Z-4000 and DCS. Who said we had to be restricted to conventional control?
I also have a Lionel KW for under-tree duty and a postwar ZW and prewar Type Z for additional power for the main layout. BTW....horn and direction control is no problemo with the Type Z, since I also have a Lionel 167 Whistle/Direction Control Box. The biggest plus for the ZW is that it is MUCH lighter than the Z-4000. So updating the DCS and TIU has become a lot more pleasant. My ZW was also rebuilt by Davis Lyons, so it is nearly totally quite and doesn't have any overheat problems. But a fast circuit breaker or quick burn fuse is mandatory for the modern train hardware.What's next? I thought about a 250 watt ZW, but haven't found a good deal on one yet. Also thinking about a 150 watt type V. Geez this addiction is BAD!!!! Dep
I use a ZW 275 and am very satisfied with its power and appearance.
Side Note: I am a little and maybe I haven't been reading previous threads on the transformer subject but one opinion expressed indicated that the "modern" ZW was not up to par. I wonder if this suggests that the current ZW (List @ $430.) should be avoided and the concentration should focus on getting an original from a reputable source. Interesting!
My current layout is powered by a ZW. It has two independent loops, and I'm using one of the inner throttles to power my insulated rail activated accessories. I'll use the fourth throttle to power my switches. I'll be using a DC power supply to light my buildings and streetlights. My 1033 will power my 3656 stockyard eventually.
I did use my 1033 to power my Christmas layout for a while this year.
J White
jwse30While not the biggest or fanciest, I always thought running a train with a 1033 was really fun. I thought about using 2 of them to power my 2 mainlines, but thought they might be a bit undersized for some of my trains. J White
While not the biggest or fanciest, I always thought running a train with a 1033 was really fun. I thought about using 2 of them to power my 2 mainlines, but thought they might be a bit undersized for some of my trains.
ZW first, KW second. KWs often give more bang-for-the-buck because you can often buy two or three of them for the cost of one ZW. I had 4 KWs; 2 excellent ones cost $40.00 each, one rebuildable one cost $20.00 and another came in an auction box lot. Two of them needed no work and the other were easily and inexpensively restored and placed in service. By contrast, I had 3 ZWs which cost $120.00 each and all needed work before they could be used. Alas, all except for one ZW have been sold because I no longer have a layout.
Jim
Long before I became interested in three rail O gauge trains, a High School science teacher I had gave me his Z transformer for free! Aparently he was cleaning out his clossets and found the thing and knowing I liked model trains decided I could find a use for it. I held onto that transformer for fifteen years before I switched from HO scale to O scale, up until that time I had no idea how lucky I was!!! I currently have an 8X16 foot layout with TMCC and that old transformer keeps on ticking! I have to admit that if I had not converted to TMCC I probably would have demoted the Z to an accesory power source. I remember getting blisters on my fingers when I controlled my trains with those small knobs, the levers the ZW transformers are equiped with are clearly more ergonomically friendly to your hands!
Ole Timer Lord you're right ... did I misread that post .... OUCH ..... that smack on the fingers hurt ... LOL ! rtraincollector Ole Timer I'm getting too darn old or somethin .... yikes !!!! I seem to be a minority here ... but I love my MTH ... Z-4000 . Internal fan to keep it cool ... lionel z's have none .... and they do get pretty warm at times to say the least . Digital readout of all functions and alerts .... 400 thumping watts of power ! Why run 2 z's or a bunch of power bricks when you can get it all in one advanced tech-designed unit ? And an expansion port for future and all upgrades to boot . I didn't know that MTH Z-4000 was around durnig post war period
Lord you're right ... did I misread that post .... OUCH ..... that smack on the fingers hurt ... LOL !
rtraincollector Ole Timer I'm getting too darn old or somethin .... yikes !!!! I seem to be a minority here ... but I love my MTH ... Z-4000 . Internal fan to keep it cool ... lionel z's have none .... and they do get pretty warm at times to say the least . Digital readout of all functions and alerts .... 400 thumping watts of power ! Why run 2 z's or a bunch of power bricks when you can get it all in one advanced tech-designed unit ? And an expansion port for future and all upgrades to boot . I didn't know that MTH Z-4000 was around durnig post war period
Ole Timer I'm getting too darn old or somethin .... yikes !!!! I seem to be a minority here ... but I love my MTH ... Z-4000 . Internal fan to keep it cool ... lionel z's have none .... and they do get pretty warm at times to say the least . Digital readout of all functions and alerts .... 400 thumping watts of power ! Why run 2 z's or a bunch of power bricks when you can get it all in one advanced tech-designed unit ? And an expansion port for future and all upgrades to boot .
I seem to be a minority here ... but I love my MTH ... Z-4000 . Internal fan to keep it cool ... lionel z's have none .... and they do get pretty warm at times to say the least . Digital readout of all functions and alerts .... 400 thumping watts of power ! Why run 2 z's or a bunch of power bricks when you can get it all in one advanced tech-designed unit ? And an expansion port for future and all upgrades to boot .
I didn't know that MTH Z-4000 was around durnig post war period
Had to pick sorry but back to the original question Post war Transformers ( the ones from 1945 - 1969 that is ) LOL give me a ZW, Z, KW, or a 1044 anyday
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
Getting back to more of the original post here, I can run four trains at one time on four different tracks with a post war ZW, can't do that with a Z-4000! Another thing about the pw ZW is that all the contents are in one package unlike the new ZW's that need power bricks, those external things can get lost or mis-placed. Also the pw ZW is time tested unlike the new ZW's that in my opion are just break-down babies!!
I have a p.w. 275 watt ZW and a 250 watt Z and a KW that I am using on my layout. Thinking about buying another pw 275 watt ZW for my layout. Just bought a type 1033 transformer at last train show in Dearfield Beach FL the other saturday for $7.00. The 1033 puts out almost 16 volts compared to the 14.8 volts that the smaller 40 watt transformer put out that I have.
Lee F.
In the top pic is that a Sunpro automotive voltmeter?
If so how did you get it to read AC corectly?
I love that bottom control panel too.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month