Lionel ZW or MTH Z-4000

[Anonymous]

Hello All,

  I am looking for some advice on which transformer I should purchase. I will be running in conventional mode only and as of right now, I have 3 post war loco's, Santa Fe AA, 646 Hudson and a UP switcher. One williams set with lighted passenger cars, PS1 MTH Subway set and a PS2 MTH 0-8-0.

 I will have about 5-6 signals and about 6 lit buildings. For trackage, I am using MTH ScaleTrax and have two 031 switches and an operating/uncoupling track.

In the future, I am planning on aquiring Lionel, Atlas and/or K-line, Weaver locos. Would the ZW suit my needs? I may add TMCC in the future as well, but not right away.

Thanks for your help,

Michael

[jimhaleyscomet]

It really is a matter of personal preferance.  I prefer the new ZW and TMCC Command Base (about $100) so I can run my conventional control locomotives with a remote and can limit the speeds when I hand the remote to a child.  Below are some links from the FAQ post that may help.

What transformer to use?

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1022084/ShowPost.aspx

Lionel Fastrack Setup

Should I purchase a new or old ZW?   How can I run conventional locomotives remotely using new ZW?  Should I update conventional engines to command control?

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1022598/ShowPost.aspx#1022598

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1034084/ShowPost.aspx

How do I run conventional engines with DCS?

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1024179/ShowPost.asp

Jim H 

 

[chuck]

If you don't own any PS-1 or PS-2's, the Z-4000 may not make as much sense.  The Z-4000's have programming buttons to support access to the features of these loco's without having to "pump" the throttle or wear out your fingers bunching bell/whistle buttons.  Z-4000 has built in digital display that doubles as meters as well as programming device.  I'm not found of the meters on the Z-4000 and really don't care for the ZW's available add on meter, particularly the ammeters.  If meters are important to you, add on some panel meters.

ZW- 4 variable output taps, max power 760 watts.

Z-4000- 2 varaiable output taps, max track power 360 watts. 

Both units support remote operation, ZW via TMCC command base/CAB-1, Z-4000 by way of "Remote Commander"

Z-4000 is significantly larger than the ZW as the step down transformer is in the case.  ZW uses PH 180 bricks to provide raw input power.

Try before you buy!

BTW, I use TPC's and Power House bricks for conventional control.  I can stuff up to 300 watts into a TPC if I need it and the TPC has extremely fine speed control and low starting voltages. 

 

[dwiemer]

Michael, I think you will find a variety of opinions with this one.  In the end, it is just what are you looking for/what best suits you.  Both have their good and bad points.  You would be best served doing a few things:

First, read the links mentioned above.

Next, go to the manufacturer sites and read the specs of both units.

Lastly, try to get to a hobby shop or train club where you can see them operate and get a feel for what will be your best buy.

You don't have to rush out and buy one yet, as it is a costly investment and is best served by carefull thought and planning.

Good Luck,

Dennis

[A&Y Ry]

I have enjoyed much more flexibility and trouble free operation using PowerHouses linked to TPCs [and with a Comm Base for TMCC]. I originally got the first TPCs from IC Controls, [and later upgraded some TPC 3000s],as a better way to access Proto 1.0 engines and later Proto 2.0s for conventional operation. Because of my early bad experience with PowerMasters, I favor TPCs and for that reason never considered the Celebration ZW with built-in PoMAs although i understand they are improved. I have kept two of my three old pw ZWs for standby and test track operation.

I have since upgraded a dozen of my favorite Proto 1.0s to TM/RS 4.0 and sold or gave young folks all Proto 2.0 engines except the Ft. Wayne "Fundraiser" Berk. Although used only briefly, I bought two of the early Z-4Ks, sold one and stored the other after using it with the TIU when trying the original issue of DCS [later sold the feature-laden DCS to a fellow O-gauger]. The new ZK-4  I sold had to have its wimpy R.H.throttle handle fixed and cooling fan replaced but generally, people say they have been very reliable and as Chuck noted, best for MTH engines. 

I use separate analog panel volt and amp meters which I prefer and can read better than digital. Chuck touched on it regarding capability for 300 watts on a power district. That is the result of paralleling a pair of 135 watt PoHos[270 watts,15 amps] which can only be done via linkage to a TPC 300 or 400.