Lionel TW pros and cons

[KRM]

I would like to upgrade from my RW and am looking at the TW. What are the pros and cons on the TW as a replacement?

Tks,

Kev

[martinden]

It depends on why you want to "upgrade." If you're looking for more power to run your train, the TW is definitely not the answer. Though the overall rating is 175 watts v. the RW's 110, the amount available to the train is actually less on the TW than the  RW.

Inside the TW are two separate coil-and-lamination sets, more-or less independent (but with certain interconnections). Broadly speaking, one is for the track, the other for accessories. Each can actually deliver 60-65 watts, so that's what you get for the train; the RW can deliver (per the service manual) 70 watts to the track (but with nothing left over for accessories); I've measured/calculated 80 watts from my mine.

If 60-65 watts is enough for your trains, and you want more overall power to allow more accessories, then the TW may be the answer.

Or, if you just want a more "modern looking" transformer (though I find the RW "art deco" look really attractive) the TW would be an "upgrade;" If you want more power for your train, an LW provides a small but significant increase over the RW, and a KW would give you a big jump (output of about 140 watts total).

Martin

[cwburfle]

Martin wrote a nice summary on the TW.
I second the recommendation on the LW.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Personally, I'd go for the KW, it's a 190 watt unit and they're generally available pretty cheap if you shop around.

[KRM]

Thanks Guys I wil now be looking at something other than the TW.

 Kev