How much will an old Postwar ZW take???

[ChiefEagles]

Just tried the system. Postwar ZW running through a DCS TIU and a TMCC Command Base. Had two GP9's running in the inner loop lashed together under TMCC [4 can motors]. The outer loop, 2 SD80's under TMCC lashed [4 can motors] to a MTH Dash 8 dummy with lights and smoke, 1 SD60 under TMCC [2 can motors], 1 Dash 9 [2 can motors] and one GP60 under TMCC [2 can motors]. Now running in and out of the two loops was the MTH switcher under DCS [2 can motors]. All engines were moving back and forth and [cough cough] had their smoke units going, lightsd and hit the horns too. 16 can motors and one dummy with light ands smoke running off of one ZW. No problems what so ever. Interesting. Busy but fun.

[Jumijo]

Is that the one you got off of my "neighbor" up here in Taxachusetts?

Jim

[Anonymous]

Interesting indeed, Chief. I wasn't aware a ZW could power that much equipment. I hope my early version ( 250W) will perform as well, although I doubt I'll ever have that many engines running at one time. Also, it seems you can successfully mate TMCC and DCS to old tech...very nice to know since I'm thinking of doing the digital thing some day.

Bruce Webster

[dbaker48]

Chief,
Without popping any circuit breakers?

From a previous thread, I had inquired about fuses/circuit breakers for a ZW. You had recommended a video with instructions on building a fast blow ckt breaker box. Order the video and building it this weekend. Thanks ! [:D]

[ChiefEagles]

Did not trip the breakers nor did it seems to drop in power. Scott's has the breaker boxes at a cheap price then building them but it does not look like he has the binder posts and etc. like the OGR breaker box has. Also, I just realized I had a Lionel oil pump and a MTH JD water tank with strobe on top feeding from the ZW [got bridge rectifiers reducing the 18V going to both].

Jim, yes. I told you to get the other one. [:p]

[Anonymous]

You have to keep in mind that the can motors don't draw nearly as many amps as the old pullmor motors do. Having said that, I have run at least four old twin motored diesels from one 250watt Z. One of the biggest downfalls is always that of poor connections either by inferior wire or dirty track or not enough feeders. You clearly have those licked, now, what about a layout???? I did just purchase a 250 ZW and would like to compare it to my old Z's to see which one i can run the most the fastest with!
:):):)

[ChiefEagles]

I use to run that many of the old Pullmor motors off of one side of a KW. They are great transformers too [got 2 of those].[:D] Belive it or not, three to the same EUnit.

[Anonymous]

A pw 275 ZW will supply 10 amps[180-90 watts] continously for nearly an hour before its efficiency is effected by heat.