Transformer Phasing

[Blueberryhill RR]

Can anyone tell me how I can phase a ZW and a TW transformer together? I used to know how, but have forgotten. The ZW is a 275 watt and the TW is a 190 watt. I am running 4 trains and need to power the switches and UCS tracks. Both transformers are from the 50's.

Thanks.... Chuck[:)]

[lionelsoni]

Having the transformers in phase for accessories is not necessary. Nor is it needed unless you intend to run trains between blocks powered by the different transformers, which is, in my opinion, not a really good idea.

However, if you want to do it, get an incandescent lamp or a lighted accessory and light it up, but not very brightly, with one transformer. Then move it to the other and light it up about the same. Then connect the commons of the two transformers together and connect the lamp between the variable outputs of the two transformers. If it lights dimly if at all, they are in phase. If it lights up brightly, they are out of phase. In the latter case, reverse the 120-volt plug of either one of the transformers.

[Blueberryhill RR]

Thanks, Bob. I am running 4 independent trains with switches on 2 of the systems. I would like to use the accessories posts on the TW to power the switches and UCS tracks. I will use the information you sent me.
Chuck[:)]

[Chris F]

Chuck,

The TW transformer was rated at 175 Watts and was intended to run one train, at up to about 60W continuous and to power accessories separately at about the same Wattage. Did you mean KW (190W, two trains)?

[MartyE]

Maybe this will help...

http://www.martye.com/TipsandTricks/TipsandTrick2.htm

[3railguy]

Marty posted a good link. If you are using the TW to power switches and UCS sections, you definately need to phase it to your ZW since the switches and UCS sections share a common ground with the track. 4 trains on one ZW is pushing it. I suggest an additional ZW phased in. The only time you run into trouble as Soni posted is when your trains cross blocks and the transformer voltages are set differently. You get a split second short at the voltage equal to the difference across pairs of rollers wired parallel. This has proven not harm postwar trains and transformers but could wreak havoc with modern electronics.

[lionelsoni]

Phasing is not needed for accessories using control rails, like switches, and uncoupling tracks.

[Blueberryhill RR]

You are absolutely correct " Chris F. " I check it after I placed the message and found my error. The TW is 175 watts.
Thanks, Chuck

[Chris F]

Chuck,

The reason I asked about the TW vs. KW wasn't so much the Voltage (IMO, 175W vs. 190W ain't much), but rather train operation.

Between the ZW and the TW, you've got direction/whistle controls for three trains, not four. Theoretically you can run four trains with the ZW, but the inside levers don't have the direction/whistle controls and they're kind of difficult to operate. Also, splitting four trains on the ZW give you an average 45 Watts each of continuous power.

If you use the variable TW output to run one of the trains, you'll have 60W each per train (60 from each of 3 variable ZW outputs, 60 from the TW). You'd still have the fixed voltage from the other internal transformer in the TW to power the turnouts and UCS/RCS track.

I don't mean to throw a wrench into the works, but I've found the TW transformer rating is confusing because, unlike other Lionel Postwar transformers, the power rating is split between the two transformers in the single housing.

[Blueberryhill RR]

Chris,
Here is what I have. I have 4 separate train systems. Two have switches and UCS tracks and two don't. I have the ZW running three of them, with a QSI Sidekick II on the one with no whistle control. I have the TW running the fourth system with a QSI Sidekick II attached as the engine has a bell and the TW can not activate it. So that leaves me with an open circuit on the ZW for switches and UCS tracks. Now the TW system has no switches or UCS tracks and I wanted to split the load between the two transformers. So, there you have it. I think if I put the switches on the ZW and the UCS tracks on the TW, the load will be OK. Thanks for your help.
Chuck