What size of transformer for Williams 2023 UP Alco and 4 lighted passenger cars.

[ben10ben]

It could be that the highest voltage the 1033 can put out is 16 volts. Most other transformers can go up to 20, and most trains are designed with this in mind.

[jefelectric]

Keep in mind that back when the 1033 was made they rated train transformers at input watts. It probably only puts out about 75 watts. You probably should have a larger transformer. An MTH Z-1000 or one of the Williams 150 watt units would be the next step up.

[phillyreading]

Should be plenty of power for either set, but passenger cars need a few extra watts for the light bulb. Try removing or replacing the light bulb with a lower watt bulb.
Maybe your transformer needs some tune-up work or cleaning.
Lee.

[Anonymous]

If your engine has an older motor instead of a flywheel motor it could pull 40-45 watts and each car up to 12 watts depending on the number of incandescent bulbs per car. In total your four car train is probably drawing 80-90 watts.
Be sure your track and pick-up rollers are clean and that you have enough power feeds extended from transformer to track. If you only have one or two feeds, voltage drop could be occuring at distant spots on the track.

I recently had my Williams "J " remotored with a flywheel motor and it made a tremendous difference in power and smoothness.

[Anonymous]

When I run it with my old Lionel 1033 90 watts, the Alco seems to struggle with the set. I have to turn it up full blast to get it to run. Do you think it's the Alco or not enough juice from the transformer? My freight sets seem to run fine, however the cars of course don't have lights.