What transformer is better

[ben10ben]

My understanding of the new ZW and the TPC is that they create a something that's aproximately a true sine wave, although it's not one exactly. It's certainly not as chopped up as what comes out of a Powermaster or some of the cheap electronic controllers from MTH or Lionel. The wave is good enough that it won't bother PS-1 or other sensitive electronics.

The Z-4000 does the same thing as the new ZW with the sine wave, but it evidently does a better job of it. You won't get a true sine wave, though, unless you go with the MRC or a postwar transformer.

Initially, you pay a lower price per watt with the Z-4000. If, however, you add the two additional 180 watt bricks to the new ZW, the price per watt is much, much lower. Using retail prices, a Z-4000 is $1 per watt, and a new ZW $1.11. If you add the two bricks to the ZW, though, the price drops to $.83 per watt, which is quite a bit cheaper. Two Z-4000s will cost you $800, while a ZW and two extra bricks will do pretty much the same thing for $600.

It all depends on what you need.

[3railguy]

I think it depends on what the bulk of your motive power is.

I'm using a postwar ZW along with a TPC unit and command base. To the best of my knowledge, the TPC unit does chop up the sine wave. It makes my postwar engines run incredibly smoother because of the chopped sine waves and at lower speeds than before.

I have three Willimas engines and two MTH engines with PS-1 and PS-2 electronics. They seem to work well in conventional mode with the TPC unit and I have not experienced any "hum" wioth the Williams engines. Horns, bells, electro couplers, etc work fine too.

[Anonymous]

I would go with the Z4000. It's a monster, but it's a good monster and will handle just about anything without a lot of add-ons. Strictly my personal preference.

[Anonymous]

I'de go with the Z-4000. At 400 watts in a stand alone transformer, it does a great job, plus it has built in digital read-outs for volts and amps, on both handels.

My second choice would be the new type of ZW, but it would run into more money to max it out. Both transformers cost the same money, but Lionel does not supply all 4 bricks. You can achieve more than 400 watts if you buy the higher voltage power bricks. It can have 4 bricks on it, but you'll have to buy the extra bricks seperately. Additionally, if you want digital readouts for the ZW, they have a sold-seperate add-on, for volts and amps. I believe you can go up to 720 total watts with 4 bricks.

Personally, if it were me, I'de go with the Z4000. If more than 400 watts are needed, just buy 2. As with the command systems, Lionel wants you to buy all the extra stuff to have everything, where MTH gives it all to you right up front.

[laz 57]

I have a new ZW and running with Lionel ebgines have had no problems.
laz57

[okiechoochoo]

Question here. Can you use a postwar ZW with the Lionel TPC and get pure sine wave or does the TPC itself chop it up. I will be operating mostly Williams engines and accroding to CTT the TMCC/Conventional method causes a humm with Williams engines.. Another question. A postwar ZW voltages starts at about 6 volts. Does this apply to modern Powerhouses and the Z4000 also, or do they actually go from 0 volts up. Thanks

[Anonymous]

I consider that mth's transformers are better the best one for me would be a z-500:)

[waltrapp]

This topic sure has been a popular one of late! I guess I'm chime in only because I have in all of the other ones too.

I have postwar ZW and V transformers and a brand new MRC Dual 270. I run both conventional and DCS. I can use any of the 3 in any mode. I like the added bonus ammeters on the MRC.

I might have purchased a Z4000 instead of the MRC but it's SO BIG and I have limited space for transformers.

- walt

[prewardude]

I have to agree with Spanky on this one - pure sine-wave is the only way to go.

[danguarddog]

All three are great transformers. If you are running Lionel Engines with TMCC features then it would be the ZW. If it is running conventional engines and you never plan on buying engines with TMCC then it would be a toss up between the Z4000 or the MRC.
Also the ZW is great if you run both TMCC and conventional.

[spankybird]

I would pefer a pure sine wave transformer, which would be the Z4000 or the MRC.

The new ZW uses power bricks and then a TCP unit in the look a like housing to control conventional and MTH engines. The TCP uses a crop sine wave which does give DCS some problems and some other engines also have problems with it.

I personally use a post war ZW, two of them and a KW which are all pure sine wave transformers.

[sanman0516]

what make one better than the other different features.
i am running all new trains. this may help me decide which one to get.

[wrmcclellan]

I would have to vote the Z4000 from your list.

[sanman0516]

What transformer is better, a new lionel ZW, MCR dual power
or Z4000