Transformers

[Anonymous]

I am slowly building up my supply of Fastrack. So far I have 2 ovals but I am missing one stright peice and that is it.

My goals are
1. 3 pairs of Manual or Remote Control switches
2. More Straight and Curved
3. Operating peices of track
4. A road crossing.

I would like to get a bigger transformer than the two CW-802 I have.

I am leaning towards a ZW, but I can't decide if I shoudl wait and buy a new one or just buy an old one off e-bay?

What should I do?

steel rails

[wrmcclellan]

Steel,

It depends on whether you will be running MTH Proto-1 and other MTH locos. Some MTH locos can act erratically (e.g. whistle or horn on all the time) on the chopped sine wave that comes out of the new Lionel ZW.

If you do not plan to run MTH stuff, then I would recommend the newer ZW. You could also consider the MTH Z-4000 which will work reliably with any manufacturers trains.

In any case, if you are not handy electrically (particularly with a ZW inner circuitry and electrical safety), know a good Lionel repair depot, or know the ebay dealer quite well that you purchase from, then I recommnd you avoid the older ZWs.

Regards,
Roy

[waltrapp]

There are several good ones out there, both PW and moden. I own a PW ZW, a PW V, an MTH Z-1000, and an MRC dual 270. I really like the MRC 270 and highly recommend it. The others are good too - just to clarify.

I have used all of them in both conventional mode and with DCS and they all work fine. I do not have TMCC or anything Lionel except my PW stuff.

I don't own a Z4000 or a modern ZW and can't comment there. But from what I've read, I havet to agree with Roy, your decision does somewhat depend on what you are running.

- walt