Darth.........that RW was my first transformer, and it had absolutely no problems powering my buddy's dual motored 2343s on my layout with the monster passenger cars in tow. And it was a huge step up for use on those slot car sets.
Jack
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
balidas Sounds like a great deal to me. Any pix?
Sounds like a great deal to me. Any pix?
Sure.
_________________________________________________________________
Got my RW yesterday!! My 254 loves the extra power and voltage, and everything works great! I'm confident that this thing can run a 2343 without any problems, so whenever I finally get a set, everything will be ready for those twin motors.
After shipping, I spent a total of $33. Pretty good deal, I'd say!
Darth,
I can only speak for my self but I use a RW with over 80’ of track and am very happy with it. It will run my twin motor H&W Dash 8 40C with no problem, it fly’s around the track. The only thing I have with a lay down horizontal type motor is a 681 and it is single motor drive. It runs fine but is much slower than my other trains. It will pull one heck of a load but I don’t know if it is slower because of it’s gearing or because of it’s love for power.
I have a prewar AF # 9 that is a 150 watt that has a 4 to 22 volt setting and can deliver up to 30 volts to the track that will fly any train right off of the track. I don’t use it anymore because it could fry the newer trains with the electronics. It was a lot of fun when we were kids,,,, made for some bad wrecks.
At any rate bigger is always better when it comes to power and you can get a lot of transformer for much less that you will be paying for the 2343s. I think you will want something 100 watt or beter.
Tks,
Kevin
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
I have been running my AT&SF 2343 this past week. Just using the power unit with a few very early Postwar freight cars. Operating the 2343 F-3 using MTH DCS powered by a Lionel 135 watt brick, controller states intervals of 8.5 to 11.5 volts for optimum operating speeds.
Bill T.
Just scored a great deal on an RW transformer! http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&nma=true&rt=nc&item=140613913702&pt=Model_RR_Trains&si=LfKIv6sSWV0wDHW1ATwPEOgCQFw%253D&viewitem=&hash=item20bd3e0c66
$22, 110W, refurbished, and in good condition? Yeah, I think that's a pretty good deal. My 254 with the passenger cars wanted more power than the Marx could deliver, so this will hopefully get it going. The 2343s are still a long way off, but I think I'll be able to at least run the set when I can comfortably afford one.
rtraincollector gunrunnerjohn: Why can't I have relatives that give me trains? because I don't either ?
gunrunnerjohn: Why can't I have relatives that give me trains?
Why can't I have relatives that give me trains?
because I don't either ?
nor I?
gunrunnerjohn Why can't I have relatives that give me trains?
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
I just remember that one of my uncles has a Lionel train layout hanging in his garage which never gets used anymore. My mom tells me that my grandpa built it back when she was a kid, and the transformer was built with the two big control levers on the sides, so it's a pretty good bet that it's a ZW. Next time we're going up that way (which we do once or twice a year), I'll have to see if I can get it. The layout's been hanging up there ever since I can remember, so I don't think he'd have any hard feelings letting it go (in fact, a lot of family has given me train stuff over the years because I actually fix it up and use it).
The most common repair for ZW, KW, and V transformers is the roller replacement. I've done a few, and if you do it right, there is no disassembly involved. I don't press the rivets, I just flatten the end so it can't come out.
The recommendation to put a drop of solder on the rivets is probably not a bad idea, though I've never done that.
Excellent post from August 2010 worth revisiting just to solidify that most ... old > new .....
http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/p/178364/1957542.aspx
Great read!
Same guy has another one for $75 http://cgi.ebay.com/Lionel-ZW-250-box-/120757121874?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item1c1daf7352#ht_500wt_1202
I would offer him $60 for the heck of it.....but expect to pay the full $25 shipping charge. :)
I don't think these old zw transformers ever die!
ZW 250/275 are the same transformer. Lionel just found a different way to rate the wattage.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Although that's a 250W ZW, it's a very good deal at $80.
I know you're thinking it's overkill, but you can't go wrong with more rather than settle for less.
Here's a good example of what can be had for a few bucks more. A zw250 in the box with instruction sheet. :)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Lionel-ZW-250-box-Madison-Hardware-Sticker-/110722964632?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item19c79a5c98#ht_500wt_1202
States he's accepting offers so you got nothing to lose and also will adjust for the shipping.
I'm just sayin'.................
gunrunnerjohn I'm not questioning your education, just your "facts" in this topic. If you want to start an education contest, I also have an EE degree and a Masters in Computer Science. If you want to stick to the topic at hand, just point out where I'm wrong.
I'm not questioning your education, just your "facts" in this topic. If you want to start an education contest, I also have an EE degree and a Masters in Computer Science.
If you want to stick to the topic at hand, just point out where I'm wrong.
John,
Ok. That previous post just came across differently to me when I first read it. My fault. I don't like to get too technical because I am unsure of what level of knowledge people have, and I don't want to further confuse people while trying to help them.
As for the KW, although it is nice, I just feel that there are better options available. Even though ZWs might seem pricey at times, I 'd rather be patient and hold out rather than rushing and regretting it later. The best thing someone could do that is looking for a transformer is consider what they need and want, then spend some time watching the market. I've seen ZWs go from very cheap to ridiculously expensive over the years depending on the market and season. Summer would be the time to look IMHO.
One thing that I consider when shopping for transformers is that I'll spend a little more to get more power than I need at that moment rather than spending a lot more later because I don't have enough power available after an addition.
Those knobs can be had for $5, so that's a pretty good bet. I had one with the same issue, and I found someone on eBay with knobs for $5, free shipping.
John I have to admit I was really trying to see what your point was all about till you clarified your self in the last comment. And for the fun of it I went looking and yeah it don't look great but bet it would do for a while check this one out and this here is your bargain basement one but bet it will last for a while anyway. http://cgi.ebay.com/Lionel-Postwar-KW-190-Watt-Trainmaster-AC-Transformer-/190559637018?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item2c5e3d4e1a
I'm just a novice and just thought I'd throw in my 2cents but you're right.
But if you got the cash boy, go for the grand daddy :) Powerful postwar diesel with equally powerful power supply.....ooooffff !!!!!!!!!!
Who's the king ...you are, thas right!!! choo choo charlie aint got nuthin on you....LOL
I have a couple of ZW's, one of the new ones with 4 180 watt bricks, and one of the originals. The reason I recommend the KW is it's currently the bargain per watt of PW transformers. If you are patient, you can score one for $50-60 on eBay, I've bought a couple of them there. I still have one of them, but I sold the others. The ZW rarely goes for less than $120-130. I use the ones like the Type V I just got for accessories.
I would take the plunge.
Lionel ZW 275 transformers are all over ebay and one that's not super clean but functional can cost maybe $150 - $200 and are capable of running up to 4 trains. I have one myself but have never run more than 2 trains at a time.........my one 2344 NYC f3 and a 1970's GP9.
Yes! the 2343 requires more power than a single motor unit but how much more I don't know. But buy try out what ya got and if it's not sufficient then like I said......use it as an excuse and take the plunge for a classic monster ZW. :) I know I would
gunrunnerjohn green97probe: gunrunnerjohn: The KW has a whistle switch, FWIW, so it's as capable as the LW in that regard, you just get a lot more available power for the less money. :) That would be true if you were just using one output. That 190W will diminish the second you use the second throttle or fixed voltage posts. Not sure what point you're trying to make here. The LW is a 125W transformer and the KW is a 190W transformer. Either can obviously only supply it's rated power (actually usually less, but that's another topic), so your "fact" makes no sense, it applies universally. Yes, if you use more outputs, the total power available is split between the outputs, that shouldn't come as a shock. Just for your reference, since you seem not to know this, the LW has fixed voltage outputs as well, and they're subject to the same power limitation. Also, if you're so inclined, you can draw all the KW can deliver through one output if that's your desire. You might want to proofread your replies, that one didn't make any sense.
green97probe: gunrunnerjohn: The KW has a whistle switch, FWIW, so it's as capable as the LW in that regard, you just get a lot more available power for the less money. :) That would be true if you were just using one output. That 190W will diminish the second you use the second throttle or fixed voltage posts.
gunrunnerjohn: The KW has a whistle switch, FWIW, so it's as capable as the LW in that regard, you just get a lot more available power for the less money. :)
The KW has a whistle switch, FWIW, so it's as capable as the LW in that regard, you just get a lot more available power for the less money. :)
That would be true if you were just using one output. That 190W will diminish the second you use the second throttle or fixed voltage posts.
Just for your reference, since you seem not to know this, the LW has fixed voltage outputs as well, and they're subject to the same power limitation. Also, if you're so inclined, you can draw all the KW can deliver through one output if that's your desire.
You might want to proofread your replies, that one didn't make any sense.
Just so you know, I have a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering, so I am experienced with AC theory among many other things. Call me out if you want. I don't have to prove myself to anyone.
green97probe gunrunnerjohn: The KW has a whistle switch, FWIW, so it's as capable as the LW in that regard, you just get a lot more available power for the less money. :) That would be true if you were just using one output. That 190W will diminish the second you use the second throttle or fixed voltage posts.
green97probeAs for the price of 2343s, you'd realistically be looking at spending at least $275 for operator grade. For 2343s without battery damage and decent red and silver, $350+ isn't unreasonable.
That's about what I figure I'll be spending on the engines. I don't have a large income (none at the moment!!), so I always try to cut costs wherever possible. It'll be months before I actually feel comfortable buying this stuff, but it never hurts to know what I need to know in advance!
gunrunnerjohn The KW has a whistle switch, FWIW, so it's as capable as the LW in that regard, you just get a lot more available power for the less money. :)
As for the price of 2343s, you'd realistically be looking at spending at least $275 for operator grade. For 2343s without battery damage and decent red and silver, $350+ isn't unreasonable.
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