ZW Transformer

[Anonymous]

I just bought a ZW transformer. Can anyone tell me about the "L" logo on the top? Some I see have writing around them. Mine is just an "L". No writing. The "L" is silver. Blue on the left of it, red on the right of it. Any help? Thanks

[iguanaman3]

Sounds like it might be a reproduction emblem, I believe all the original ones said Lionel Corp. around the big "L". Don't worry about it though, the Z is not really a collectors item...it's value is in that it just runs trains real well. Your tranformer is NOT a reproduction and as long as yours works be happy!

[ben10ben]

In my experience, the plain L plate on top is found on the 250 watt version. The more common 275 watt version has the plate you are thinking of.

[spankybird]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ben10ben

In my experience, the plain L plate on top is found on the 250 watt version. The more common 275 watt version has the plate you are thinking of.

[#ditto]

That's my understanding of it.The 250 watt was made in 1948 and 49

The 275 watt was made in 1950 thur 66

[:p]

[Anonymous]

Yep....it's the 250 watt model as previously mentioned. Unlike the later 275 watt ZW, the 250 watt version has no bell buttons. It's what powers my layout.

Bruce Webster

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replys. I guess something is wrong. I bought this on Ebay. (I'll never learn [B)]). The logo on the top is plain. Yet the spec plate on the back says 275 watts. They also claim this was used one time and put away forever in a closet. I just hope I didn't buy some thrown together from parts transformer. I guess my first step is to send it to a shop to have a pro look at it and make sure everything works on it correctly. Thanks for the comments and help, Bill

[martinden]

bsouth:

Don't worry, nothing's wrong. You have a transitional model -- the tail end of 1949 or the beginning of the 1950 run (I've never gathered just which it is, but I'd guess probably the former), with the earlier small escutcheon on the top and specifications on the back plate, but increased to 275 watts. These turn up from time to time at train shows and on eBay.

[daan]

The ZW is bulletproof. Even one made of "parts" could be a real good power source. The big plus about those beasts is the endless power they give. Everything inside is built to last a lifetime, and the few parts which can be worn are still available (pickups from the secondary coil).
It can never harm to let it checked over though.

[martinden]

Just incidentally, one of these very early 275 watt ZWs is up on eBay now -- a little less than seven hours to go as I post this.

http://cgi.ebay.com/LIONEL-POSTWAR-ZW-TRANSFORMER-275-WATTS-TESTED_W0QQitemZ6022428583QQcategoryZ4146QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

There may be others further down, and in all liklihood these are some in the "completed sales" listings.

[Anonymous]

I have one just like you are describing, it works fine. I actually don't use it as I have the new model ZW now with the individual bricks. I guess I'll put it on ebay for sale soon myself.