Toy train operating and collecting

I was wondering, will this set work with lionel tubular track??  And also, will it be okay to power the set with a ZW or Z transformer??  I know the sounds from the set will not work with it being powered by a Z or ZW.  I mean, are the mechanics and electrical okay to run on Postwar transformers?  I was thinking of buying this set.  But, wanted to make sure the engine will run on my layout powered by Z and ZW transformers.  Thanks, any input is appreciated.

lionel2,

            You could run it on a Z or ZW, but I'd put a 5 amp fast blow fuse inline with the center rail to protect the electronics in the event of a short. Investing in an MTH Z750 or Z1000 transformer will provide better protection and give you access to more features than a Z or ZW. You can get them cheaper than list if you look in the right place...  I run all of my MTH equipment on PW Lionel tubular without any issues.

A fuse is a harmless nuisance that will protect your wiring; but, if you want to protect train electronics put a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) across the track connections.

I run most of my MTH on Lionel tubular 042 or GarGraves 042 track and have no problems except at the GarGraves switches at times. Have an MTH Z1000 and a post war ZW hooked up to my layout and am also using the DCS TIU and handheld remote.

The other thing about not having the DCS system from MTH is that you have to press a few buttons to get it to uncouple and you can not adjust the smoke output that well.

Lee F.

Ok, got it.  The set does come with an MTH transformer and MTH track.  I have the super bowl 40 and 43 high cube boxcars, but do not have the first 4 super bowl high cube boxcars.  I know the dash 8 that is in the set has electronics, I dont think I will even put that dash 8 on my layout.  Unless I use the MTH track and transformer that it uses in the set.  I will play it safe and just use the Boxcars and the caboose with my tubular PW track and PW transformers.  Thanks. 

Track don't matter at all.  I would use the set transformer because of the circut breaker it has. 

Kurt

BTW I'll have a set for sale at the Pittsburgh TCA meet this December in Cranberry

Your engines will run on any three rail track, they don't know the difference. All my engines are run with post war ZWs all brands, never had a problem.

Kurt,  I will be at that show on Dec. 13th i think it is.  I have been a TCA member for a while now and always make it to the shows in Cranberry at 9:00AM.  At the show I have seen some steelers trains, but have never seen this set for sale.  This set is on my wish list.  I guess I will have to look for the set at the show.  You might be the only one that will have this set.  It is a hard set for me to find.  I would like to complete my super bowl train.  Thanks.  See you at the show in Dec. 

lionel2,

            If you are looking for the set, contact Brady's Train Outlet in Greensburg. The owner, John, has a lot of MTH product, and he has most of the Steelers items. His prices are way better than our LHS too.

http://www.bradystrainsoutlet.com/