Recommended Transformer(s) for two train control and accessories (light duty)

[Anonymous]

Happy Holidays all,

I'm a fan of this forum, and appreciate all the posts that have motivated me to get trains back into my life and newly into my familys life. Although I dont have the time to be a serious hobbiest, hopefully over time I can do more.

Just built an O-27 two loop track for under the tree, with power isolation between them so I can run two trains independently. I am using lionel basic track, lionel 1121 switches (nicely cleaned and lubed) and will be running my prewar marx trains and my newer lionel coast guard set for the kids (boys 5 and 3). Its something to grow on and pick up a new piece every year, now that my kids are only mostly destructive and not fully destructive anymore :) My 3 year old is a train nut, and both of them have grew up watching trains pass through the south side of pittsburgh with their grandfather at least twice a week. Anyway...

I have old lionel transformers, only small ones, and the 40W from my new lionel set, but what is the best setup for my meager little setup? I dont need anything high power, just two train controls (just variable ac), some accessory power, and direction / horn, whistle.
Two CW-80s scares me with the problems I hear, but it would be nice to keep it Lionel. Is there any older Lionel transformers that fit my needs? Or do I need to jump to a different brand to get a solid power supply with my features?

I didnt see anything searching the forums. Thanks for any help.

hgable
Monroeville, PA

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

The [}:)] Doctor is in !!! In My humble opinion(humble for an evil doctor, ha,ha) I think you
should get a KW tranformer. It has two train control and taps for accessories. I use one
my self. It also has a reverse and whistle control. Either E-Bay or most dealers that have new and used trains should have one. On E-bay, make sure all parts are there
and a once over by a trained tech might be a good idea. Good Luck !
Till My Next Missive, I Remain The Humble, Yet Strangly Evil Doctor !!!
[}:)][}:)][}:)]

[ben10ben]

I agree, a KW should work well for your needs.

[Chris F]

I've got a KW and don't care for it much, but it might just be my particular unit (handles stick and whistle lever post is too stiff). The KW is a high quality unit that uses rollers on the coils rather than sliders.

Consider two 1033's or 1044's, one for each of your two boys, so they won't be cramped for space around the one transformer. If your two loops are connected, be sure they are phased properly . These transformers use sliding contacts, but they are considered very reliable and should be easy to find.

[ChiefEagles]

I've got two KW's and they are great. I plan on running several trains on several levels. Right now I can run 4 different trains [two conventional and two DCS] at the same time on one KW. I use the old 80W bricks for accessories. The last KW I got was unused and in the box. That was a great find.

[Anonymous]

KW's are great, but if your looking for a transformer that's comparable to the Lionel's CW-80 I'd recommend KLine's 125W for $99. Its simple and will has whistle, horn and directional button.

With a 3 and 5 year old I wouldn't get more complicated then that. I have a 9 and 6 year old and they enjoy using Kline transformer as do the neighborhood kids. You can always add TMCC later. For a small layout the the 125 will give you all the power you need, even for a few accessories. For the kids, I'd put the money in operating cars and accessories.

My kid's really like the log and coal dump cars, and operating accessories such the coal loader, lumber yard and cattle stockyard. For children the more action the better!!!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the feedback. I looked into all your suggestions.

I landed myself a nice KW on ebay, and it should be a perfect fit for my layout. And it fits my 'theme' of older trains and switches im using. TMCC may be in my future but not now on this layout. I also modded my 1121 switches for accessory voltage and not track voltage (too hard to get switches to work fast and reliable on track power on a small layout).
Once i get my KW Im ready to enjoy the full capabilities of my track. Now I need to pick up an operation accessory that works on my unloader/decoupler section (per rrcrossing-fr post).
Landscaping and buildings will be another year.
If anyone can suggest a nice crossing gate that flashes and makes the noise, that would be cool. I only have old marx accessories for all that stuff.

Appreciate your help!