Power supply

[stuartmit]

I am operating a 6 x 11 layout with 2 locos, a 2343 and a 2023, and 3 switches 1122 plus several Ross with NJ switch machines running with Lionel switch controllers which are lit,  and 4 passenger cars.  best power 3 rw‘s (I have 4) or a zw? tks

[ADCX Rob]

3 RW transformers will give you about 240-260 watts output total, with 3 whistle/horn & direction control circuits, and a variety of fixed voltage taps for accessories.

In comparison, a ZW only provides 2 whistle/horn & direction control circuits and 180-200 watts continuous output, and if you use the two handles A & D for trains, you are left with two variable voltage taps(B & C) to use for accessories.

Your call.

[BigAl 956]

It's about wattage. You get about 200 watts out of a ZW, (yea I know the label says 275), That would be sufficent watts for up to 2 trains max if one is a lighted passenger set. You might want to use the RWs for accessories and sideline circuits.

[ADCX Rob]

BigAl 956

... You get about 200 watts out of a ZW, (yea I know the label says 275)...

Well yes, it's not wrong... but it's the input rating, that's all.

[emdmike]

I have always loved the RW, metal case, classic late prewar/early postwar styling and much simpler to work on over a ZW.  BUT, the ZW has the 'WOW" factor to many.   Granted it can run 4 trains, but the inner dials are better suited to running accessories that run best at a voltage that isnt one of the "preset" feeds from a transformer.  When I had a layout that rated a ZW, I used the outer levers for the 2 main lines, one inner was for an accessory that ran best with a lower voltage than the preset feeds and the other inner dial ran my layout lights.  Now I wasnt running massive lighted passneger sets.  I had a 675/736 powered freight on one mainline, and a 2333 powered passenger set with the 2400 series shorty silver passenger cars.   These days, on my single track layouts in my little layout room, my near mint RW is perfect.     Mikie