let me know about this

[chad tm5000/trainstation]

i just bought the lionel t-1 duplex 4444 the question is i got a 80 watt and i think i need a heavier transformer to runn it cause it sucks up the power from the passanger train please let me know. and i have the old school transformer from the fifties and i think its the 100 watt, it is not the zw its the cube shape one. i need to change the plug how do i repair and replace it. thanks chad from pittsburgh pa.

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

Chad, The Doctor is In! First and formost: What Transformer do you have? Second: How good with a soldering gun/Iron are you? If you are good with a soldering gun/Iron you can fix it your self. You can buy a replacement cord from most parts dealers.  if not then find a Hobby shop that repairs Lionel Trains and let them put a new cord in it. It is not that hard to do if you know what you are doing. Having a Lionel Repair book from Greenburg or K-Line will be a help as to cord replacement. Good luck with whichever way you go.

[Seayakbill]

If you are planning on using a Postwar transformer to power a modern locomotive filled with electronics an inline circuit breaker should be installed. Postwar transformers are famous for frying the electronic boards due to slow reacting circuit breakers.

[lionelsoni]

The circuit board fails first.  Then the circuit breaker shuts off the current after the board is failed.  No circuit breaker is fast enough to shut down the transformer before the damage is done.  The best protection for modern locomotive electronics is a transient-voltage suppressor (TVS).

From the "cube-shaped" description, I suspect that the transformer is a type Z (maybe V).  It, like most multiple-train Lionel transformers, has a single circuit breaker located in series with the common.  It should have four circuit breakers in series with the four variable outputs for proper overcurrent protection.  You can add automotive circuit breakers either inside or outside the box.  I suggest 5 or 10-ampere ones, since that's about all a single train will draw.  Leave the original 15-ampere breaker in place and functioning.

[ChiefEagles]

lionelsoni

The circuit board fails first.  Then the circuit breaker shuts off the current after the board is failed.  No circuit breaker is fast enough to shut down the transformer before the damage is done.  The best protection for modern locomotive electronics is a transient-voltage suppressor (TVS).

Worth the $$$ to get TVS.  Bob advised this and I installed.  Run my engines without worry.  

[dougdagrump]

My choice would be to go with a 180w brick, assuming you use TMCC, it could be used for any of your TMCC loco's and maybe keep the CW80 for your conventional loco's.

[Civil War]

ChiefEagles

 

lionelsoni:

 

The circuit board fails first.  Then the circuit breaker shuts off the current after the board is failed.  No circuit breaker is fast enough to shut down the transformer before the damage is done.  The best protection for modern locomotive electronics is a transient-voltage suppressor (TVS).

 

 

Worth the $$$ to get TVS.  Bob advised this and I installed.  Run my engines without worry.  

I only run postwar engines. I use a ZW transformer. Is there any advantage to adding one or more TVS? Also if I need them, where do I find them?

Thanks

[lionelsoni]

No.  Postwar locomotives, with electromechanical e-units, are impervious to the voltage spikes that can kill locomotive electronics.

For those who want to get TVSs, you'll find lots of advice with the search function.  By the way, TVSs are very cheap.

[11th Street]

Did you say "Lionel t-1 duplex 4444 & it sucks up the power from the passenger train" in the same sentence? What is the current draw on the lighting of those passenger cars? Any grades? Plan on reliable sound effects?

I just don't understand running/paying for modern circuit board equipment, then powering by a  50+ yo electrical device (ie. transformer). Are you aware that PW transformers were not rated per continuous output (ie a 250/275 ZW was only good for 165 W continuous-as reported numerous times in the hobby press)? Have you checked the condition of the coil/wiring/rollers inside those mini relics? You do have a mini fire extinguisher handy right?