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New O gauge transformer

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  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 163 posts
New O gauge transformer
Posted by Locojunkie on Sunday, February 13, 2011 8:24 AM

Hello all, I am having problems with my MRC O27 transformer. Every time I put a locomotive on the tracks, the locomotive runs at full speed no matter what I have the throttle set on. I got the hook up wires connected to the variable lugs but it still does this. So I feel I must get a new transformer. Which transformer would be recommended to run by O scale locomotives. I have just a single track system. Thanks.Smile, Wink & Grin

  • Member since
    June 2005
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Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Sunday, February 13, 2011 12:16 PM

It depends on what you're running. If you've only got a single small to medium train running at a time, look for a Marx 50 watt transformer. They work well, and you can get them for $10 - $15.

If you need something more powerful, look for something in the 75W or higher range from someone like Lionel. You may be able to get something good for $25 - $50, and those old transformers are built real solid.

_________________________________________________________________

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Rhododendron, OR
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Posted by challenger3980 on Sunday, February 13, 2011 12:42 PM

A lot is going to depend on what locomotives you have, and if you are running any accessories as well.

 Post war Lionel, newer conventional Lionel, K-Line Williams and such will run fine on a post war transformer like a 1033, RW, or LW, but those wont have a bell control. If your Locomotives are newer with sounds, you may want a CW-80, unless you have any MTH PS-2 locomotives, they tend to not play Nice with the CW-80. For MTH your best bet would be a Z-1000, or one of it's smaller brothers (Z-500 or Z-750)

Tell us more about what you have, and we can help you more.

Doug

May your flanges always stay BETWEEN the rails

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 163 posts
Posted by Locojunkie on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 8:52 AM

I have various locomotives that I operate on single trackage. MTH and current Lionel and Post War Lionel locomotives. Thanks

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Lake Worth FL
  • 4,014 posts
Posted by phillyreading on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 11:50 AM

Since you have MTH engines, I would go for the Z-750 or Z-1000 by MTH. The Z-500 has only 50 watts and that is very little power for most layouts.

Lee F.

Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.

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