Lionel Transformer questions

[deej57]

hi! Very much a novice to Lionel O & O27. We are beginning to build a layout for our grand-kids to enjoy. Using Postwar track, rolling stock etc. We would like to make it using 2 separate transformers so multiple kids can control "Their Own" trains. So rather than using one ZW type of transformer, what would the general consensus be in types to use. I currently have an "RW" but am open to suggestions. 1033? 1044/ Looking for durability and reliability.

Thank you in advance and I look forward to getting as much from this website as I can!

 

Dave

[TRAINCAT]

Any of those transformers you mention are great for that and reliable. You will need two independent loops, unless you go to modern trains and use Legacy or DSC.

Roger

[KRM]

trainrat

Any of those transformers you mention are great for that and reliable. You will need two independent loops, unless you go to modern trains and use Legacy or DSC.

Roger

I agree with Roger any of them would be good. Size will depend on how big a layout you are planing on. I have found, for me that for post war trains, post war transformers are best. I run a ZW and a LW.

[phillyreading]

Welcome! A postwar ZW will work as one can be powered from handle A and the other from handle D, two sides of the same transformer. Or if you like two seperate transformers can be used. An RW and a 1033 or 1044 will work good. If you have modern trains with electronics add modern day 10 amp circuit breakers to the output terminals between the transformer and the track.

[sir james I]

Those are good transformers, just keep in mind that they will only have a whistle button. You would have to add a 6-5906 controller to get whistle(or horn)and bell from today's engines.

[lionelsoni]

Adding a circuit breaker rated for a current no lower than that of the transformer's internal circuit breaker, to a single-output transformer will accomplish nothing.  Adding circuit breakers to a multi-output transformer (like the ZW) will protect the transformer from damaging fault currents if the outputs are connected together.  Adding circuit breakers rated lower than the internal breaker lets you safely use smaller wire, which however may exacerbate any voltage-drop problem.

Circuit breakers will not protect electronics-intensive modern trains from voltage spikes, which are the real threat to them.  For that you need transient-voltage suppressors (TVSs) wired across the track voltage.