ZW and 1033 ?s

[traindaddy1]

I've been looking at E-Bay listings for another transformer.   PLEASE: What is the difference between a ZW "R" and a ZW "Non-R"?    Also, is there anything special that I should be aware of when looking at a 1033 listing and what would a decent price be?    As always, many thanks.

1099 s/b 1033    ( Guess it was a "senior" moment!)

[Dub]

Olsen Library The R version is the later model. The difference is described on the first page of the ZW R manual. ZW non R was manufactuered in 1948. It appears most design changes were structural and a 6 volt lamp was replaced by an 18 volt.

I can't help with performance or operational issues.

[ben10ben]

The main difference between a Type R and non-R is in the design of the core, although there are a few other minor changes.

Here is a non-R core 

 

and a type R core

 

Type R cores were always rated at 275 watts, while the non-R cores could be either 250W or 275W. 

In general, the type R core is quieter, and overall a more efficient design. It tends to stay cooler under heavy loads. 

[traindaddy1]

Bob:   Thanks for the post.

Ben:   Thanks for the pictures and info.    I had no idea just which I have so, out came the trusty screwdriver and off came the case.  It is an "R".  

I've said it before and I'll say it again........Every time I ask a question I learn something and every time I learn something I enjoy the hobby more.    Thanks guys. 

[challenger3980]

  The ZW, type R, has a Riveted core, they tend to be quieter, are a later model and tend to be more sought after. The type R will usually have a letter R printed on the bottom of the base.

Doug

[traindaddy1]

Thanks Doug.

[martinden]

Not all ZWs with riveted laminations are Model Rs. They began riveting the laminations sometime in the mid- or late fifties. As far as I know, the date remains vague -- it hasn't been pinned down by collectors/hobbyists. But the "R" designation came much later -- in the sixties. (Again, unclear as to exactly when.) As the service manual describes it (see the Olsen link) various changes were made over the years, including the riveted laminations. At some point, Lionel decided to designate the (gradually) improved product as a "Model R." Quoting the Service Manual: "Model R refers specifically to transformers in which the 6-volt pilot lamps used in previous models were replaced with 18-volt lamps, eliminating the use of a series lamp resistor."

Model R ZWs are identified by a rubber stamp on the bottom plate reading either "MODEL ZW (R)" or "Model ZW (R)," sometimes enclosed in a rectangular box outline. However, in at least some cases "Model R" is heat-stamped on the back of the transformer below the binding posts, in a typeface like that used for the "COMMON" and the binding post letters. My assumption is that these would be the very latest ZWs.

I have photos of these variations (lifted fom e-Bay listings), but no means of posting them here.

[martinden]

BTW, as far as I know, Lionel never made a 1099 transformer. What number are you referring to?

[traindaddy1]

# 1033    THANKS!