Need Transformer Advice

[Anonymous]

You can order the new ones from an authorized Lionel dealer. Part number is 818-2115-001 13.00 Button,dc Sound Activation

[Birds]

I misunderstood the original post. I thought you were looking for a small to medium transformer to replace the CW-80 and use in addition to the ZW.

Question:
I've read several posts, like Chuck's, which recommend purchasing and using a sound activation button. I have searched for them on the net and in catalogues but can not find them (only vintage ones on that on-line auction place).

Are there new ones, and if so is there a source and/or part number someone can post?

Thanks,
Birds

[Anonymous]

Your postwar ZW is not going to cause a problem with either older or modern engines. Apparently your ZW is refurbished except for the whistle/horn rectifier discs.
As Chuck suggested protect your pw ZW with fast-acting circuit breakers mounted in boxes [or use fast-blow cartridge fuses]. As he also advised you can wire a pair of horn/whistle buttons in line to overcome the transformer's worn out rectifiers. [An alternative here is to purchase and install, or have installed, a pair of $3.50 stud rectifier diodes to replace the old useless selenium or copper discs in the ZW's horn/whistle circuits].

[Birds]

Checkout the "Pure Power" transformers from MRC. They have a 130 watt output single throttle "Pure Power", and a 270 watt ouput dual throttle "Pure Power Dual".

There are pure sinewave transformers (just like Lionel's vintage ZW, KW, and 1033) with bell and whistle buttons, and a single 14 volt accessory post. They seem to be good power supplies at a reasonable price (under $220 for the Pure Power Dual).

Birds

[msacco]

I'm wiring my layout currently using the new ZW. I also am doing a double 4x8 L shaped layout.
I like the flexiblity with the new ZW. You can add up to 4 powerhouse 180s to this controller. This gives you four separate power districts and a lot of power overall. I did have to send the ZW controller back because of a stripped right handle but LIonel did the right thing and fixed it even out of warranty. Other than that so far so good.

Mike S.

[Anonymous]

I have heard and read about the horror stories about the CW-80, and I think all it would be good for is for powering accessories. I myself soon, once I pay off some of my layaway purchases, I am going to order the Z-4000; since I hace 2 PS1 engines they will be easier to program with it, and will provide plenty of power.

Chris

[Anonymous]

Get the seperate sound activation buttons to trigger the extra effects (about $10 each) and get some quick blow breakers (one for each output terminal on the ZW) and you should be all set.

chuck

[tumbleweed56]

I have a small layout (Two 4x8s in an L shape) and I think I might need to buy a new transformer to power it. I have 7 022 switches, and several accessories. I have a mix of postwar locomotives, and several newer locomotives. I have a refurbished ZW that provides plenty of power, but does not have a bell button. I like the ZW, but I worry that it might damage the electronics in my newer engines. Is this a valid concern?

I also have a CW-80 transformer that I have used to power one loop where I run my newer locomotives that use the bell button (such as an MTH engine with PS2). The CW-80 went crazy today, and given the problems that I have read that others have had with it, I suspect I need to buy something else.

At this point, command control is not an option because of expense. I do not have any DCS or TMCC locomotives, and the cost to put those electronics in my postwar engines is prohibative.

Any recomendations on what to buy?