Lionel Transformer question

[topcopdoc]

My friend gave me an old Lionel “Trainmaster type ZW” transformer. I am presently building an HO layout, which will have digital control. I thought this transformer would be an excellent source of voltage to light building interiors. It has a large handle and a smaller dial on both sides. It has 8 terminals, 4 (common) on top and 4 (A, B, C, D) on the bottom. I believe it is AC. Is this a good idea and what kind of voltage can I expect?

[johngraser]

If I remember correctly it up to 18-24 Volts AC

John

[cacole]

The Lionel transformer would be suitable for building lights as long as you didn't turn the voltage up higher than what your builbs are rated for. If you use 12 Volt bulbs, for example, use a voltmeter to set the transformer's output at or slightly below 12 Volts, or your bulbs will burn out prematurely. As you add more lights, you may need to readjust the output because the voltage will drop when you begin to reach or exceed the rated output capacity of the transformer.

[rrinker]

Gonna take a LOT of grain of wheat bulbs to add up to the capacity of a ZW.

But yes be VERY careful about turning it up, won't take much and POOF, there go all the light bulbs!

One other caution, if it's a real original ZW that's OLD, carefully check the cord for signs of wear on the insulation. You don't want to cause a short, of give someone a shock because of a deteriorated cord.

[mcouvillion]

I wish I had someone "give" me a ZW transformer. Those things are worth something like $250.00!!!

Mark C.

[yellowducky]

It well might be worth finding a couple of cheap HO transformers. Or even racecar ones.

[BR60103]

The ZW has 4 separate speed controls. There should be a plate on it telling you which pairs of terminals have which voltages.
Some DCC packs are powered by a separate transformer and the ZW might do for that; it is very powerful though.
You might protect your lights by wiring them in pairs in series, so they'll withstand voltages of 18 or more.

[Big_Boy_4005]

The ZW has a 20 volt max, and about a 4 to 6 volt minimum.

You should thank your friend, because a nice ZW sells for around $250 - $300. You may want to consider putting it on ebay and getting something more appropriate with the money. Did he have any trains with the ZW??

[nobullchitbids]

FYI: Transformers not rectified give AC; rectified transformers give full-wave DC; transformers rectified and filtered (with a capacitor) give pure DC, like a battery. Lights can run on any of these, but if you want the lights to burn forever, use pure DC at 75-90 per cent of rating (and remember installing a capacitor will increase available voltage). I've toured Edison's winter home in Fort Myers, Florida, and they still are using light bulbs Edison made! The secret is not to switch the electricity on and off 60 times per second and keep the voltage well under the rating.

Do NOT install an electrolytic capacitor into an unrectified transformer; do NOT install an electrolytic capacitor backward (it will explode). Plus goes to plus and minus to minus.

[cefinkjr]

I too have a Lionel ZW. I hesitate to say that it's old though. My parents bought it for me when I was about 6 or 7 so if it's old then I'm ancient.

Question: Is there any way (other than as a source of accessory power as discussed earlier in this thread) to use a ZW as a power source for a DCC system? I'd have to think there's plenty of raw power here.

[rrinker]

Heeding the cautions about setting the voltage, yes, a ZW should be more than adequate to power a DCC booster (or 2, or 3). Max voltage ont he ZW is too much for most DCC boosters though and if not outright failure, would cause the booster to run too hot. Depends ont he brand of booster, for Digitrax, if you are running HO or N trains, you want a 15v input to the booster. About 18v in if using the O/G setting. No higher.

You would also want to get some circuit breakers at the required current levels, ie if you have a 5 amp booster get a 5 amp circuit breaker. The internal protection in the ZW is nOT adequate for this because you are talking 10+ amps from a ZW, feeding a 5 amp booster - the booster will fry long before the breaker in the ZW trips.

--Randy

[BR60103]

I saw a ZW at a train show today marked at $350 (Cdn.) If you can find someone who's into Lionel, you might see what he'll trade you for it.

[topcopdoc]

Thanks a lot for all the information on the ZW. My friend is planning on using the Lionel engines and cars (pretty bad shape) in a display case for his grandchildren to appreciate. I already told him I owe him a steak and Scotch dinner.