Postwar ZW question

[Deputy]

Mine was rebuilt by Davis Lyons and is quieter than my Z-4000. I've never seen any KW transformers with anything but 190 watts listed. According to this website, there are no variations:
http://www.postwarlionel.com/cgi-bin/postwar?ITEM=KW

[tranz4mr]

They do have the same 140 watt power output but they were made with different core contructions making one potentially quieter than another. This isn't shown in the repair manuals like the ZW's are. Recently I rebuilt four of these and was surprised to see the difference.

[tranz4mr]

I updated my website & drawings to reflect Bens ZW 275 type R info above.

http://www.Tranz4mr.com

[Deputy]

I updated my website & drawings to reflect Bens ZW 275 type R info above.

http://www.Tranz4mr.com

Kent: What I would like to see is a side-by-side comparison in the same photo of a R and non-R type transformer. Correct me if I'm wrong, but looking at a pic like I posted on the first page, those rivets aren't visible with the core in the case. I certainly see the difference Ben mentions in the laminations. Perhaps a side-by-side pic of the laminations in Ben's non-R transformer and mine would be more valuable for the average guy to know immediately if he has a Type R or not? And have arrows pointing to the laminations in each transformer.
Just a thought.

 

[Deputy]

Hmmmm...just spotted a KW transformer on Ebay with this description:

"On the bottom base, it reads MODEL KW (R)."

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lionel-Mult-Control-Transformer-KW-190-Watts-MODEL-R_W0QQitemZ250305468323QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250305468323&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[Deputy]

Now if you really wanted to rip somebody off on Ebay, there is always the Lionel VW transformer. Just remove the side label or replace the upper cover with a repro, and instant ZW. Only thing is the VW only has 150 watts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Lionel-VW-Trainmaster-Transformer-NMIB-150-Watt_W0QQitemZ270285075128QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270285075128&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[tranz4mr]

Hmmmm...just spotted a KW transformer on Ebay with this description:

"On the bottom base, it reads MODEL KW (R)."

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lionel-Mult-Control-Transformer-KW-190-Watts-MODEL-R_W0QQitemZ250305468323QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250305468323&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Well there you go. They are marked.

On your other post about the core photos I have taken a lot of new photos recently of the whole "rebuild a ZW thing" but it will take some time to get down that far on my todo list. Running the local Holiday Train show and doing the division secretarial thing keeps me pretty busy. Add work & kids above that too.

[Deputy]

I understand Kent. My "to do" list always seems to be getting bigger than my available time. Your website is a valuable source of info and worth bookmarking.  

[ben10ben]

My ZW's are not really such that I can physically place them right beside each other without undoing all the wiring(mine are the only power source I use).

I will, however, offer these "file photos", one of which I've already posted, which show the difference. 

Type R(notice how clean and sharp the edges of the laminations are)

Non-R(note how messy and uneven the end of the laminations looks)

The rivets are not visible from this view-I'll see if I can get a picture of those later. 

I no longer have a KW, but I did take pictures of the insides when I sold it on Ebay. I'll see if I can locate them. My KW was also a type R. 

By the way, Kent, let me also personally thank you for the excellent resource that your website is. 

 

[KRM]

Deputy

I heard from J&W Electronics tonight. Kudos to them for the quick and honest reply. 

Mike,
  What a good question. I have not tested the BCR in that application. I mainly work on MTH products. I don't see why it would not work. My only concern would be that if the track power is off for a long time the BCR will discharge and the display would go off, until the track power is turned on again. I am not sure how long it would be  It might be an acceptable time. I do have access to a ZW with a volt meter. I will give it a try and let you know.
                Wayne Renga
                J and W Electronics

 

 

Mike,

 I know this is an old post but did you ever find out if a BCR would work in the 6-14077?

 Tks,

 kev.

[ChiefEagles]

KEV, they will work in place of the MTH battery,  You just have to let them "recharge" for several seconds before runing your engine.  Apply track power, I usually wait about 30 seconds to be sure, then fire her up.

[Deputy]

Kev,
       What Chief said is basically correct. Just apply power and it should start working fairly quickly.

 

Chief: The part number Kev is referring to is a voltmeter made by Lionel that mounts on the older ZW transformers. It's not a locomotive or MTH product.

[ChiefEagles]

Hi Dep.  Hope all is well with you.

[Deputy]

Hi Chief. If you don't count a recent attack of a kidney stone, I am doing well.

[KRM]

Deputy

  

Chief: The part number Kev is referring to is a voltmeter made by Lionel that mounts on the older ZW transformers. It's not a locomotive or MTH product.

Yes if it would work in the ZW voltmeter I thought it would be a nice addition for the ZW I got from you Chief in the future. I saw in the thread that they work in the MTH . Where do you get one of them?

Thanks,

Kev.

[Deputy]

Good luck with finding one. The ones for the newer ZW are still available. The ones for the postwar ZW are as scarce as hens teeth and VERY pricey if you find one.