transformers (not the robots)

[S&G Rute of the Silver River]

What would you recomend as a good transformer that is in the moderate to mildly expensive price range? Thanks all.

[chuck]

Most of the modern toy train "transformers" aren't really transformers in the classic sense.  They have a base step down unit (usually a brick) but the rest of the unit is more like of a vaible output switching power supply than the old vaiable tap core. 

The usual rule of thumb for a power supply is about a $1 per watt of output power.  Unfortunately there are more selections at the high end (ZW/Z-4000) and the low end (beginner 40-80 Watt).  There aren't too many in the 100-150 watt range (mid power/price).

Good news is there are a lot of the older built like a tank PW units out there that can be had at reasonable prices and you can still get by using several mid sized units if you plan carefully.

[Anonymous]

You might look into the new Williams 150 watt device. I have absolutely no personal experience with it,, and don't even know whether any have been delivered as it is quite new, but it looks interesting. It lists for about $150, I believe, and may be discounted at some suppliers.

What do you plan to power with it?

[chuck]

There is also an MRC Pure Sine wave unit with 130 watts of power that when discounted gets you back into the $1 /watt range.  MRC Pure Power AC AH501

[phillyreading]

Far as new transformers MTH makes a few models starting around $60.00.  There is the Z500 a 50 watt, there is the Z750 a 75 watt, there is also the Z1000 a 100 watt transformer and it has whistle bell and direction buttons. I am using the Z1000 to power a new locomotive by MTH otherwise I would stick with the post-war ZW as my choice.

The new trains need the newer circuit breaker in the new transformers to keep from damaging the circuit boards inside the engine.  I bought the new transformer to make sure that I stayed within the voltage limits for my new locomotive and to keep the warrenty intact.

MRC makes transformers for O gauge trains, but a little more expensive than other companies.

Lee F.

[S&G Rute of the Silver River]

I have a Lewis Marx train set from 40-41. All the tecknical electrical stuff you said was very confusing and where should I look for these? 

[chuck]

Any of the modern 100 watt transformers will do fine.  I would not recommend going below 75-80 watts.

[S&G Rute of the Silver River]

Should i get them off ebay or head to the good hoby shop( the one that has more than a few HO freight cars and the rest is all rc cars.)?

[Jumijo]

The MRC Pure Power Dual is a 270 watt power pac with 2 separate throttles. It can be had for ~$200 from Charles Ro or other mail order houses. I have one and it's an axcellent "transformer". The one down side is that it will not blow an air whistle. It does do well with all other sound systems on my layout.

Jim

[phillyreading]

A post war transformer will work fine with the older Marx, like KW or ZW.  Stay away from ebay as the seller may not list the item correctly or shipping costs will eat your wallet for a transformer as it is dead weight so to speak for shipping.

You could try a local model train show for a used transformer, this way you see what you are buying and can test it right there.  That is if you don't buy a new one.

Lee F.

[jimhaleyscomet]

I second the advice on ebay for old transformers.  However, I just purchased a new ZW with dual 180 power bricks for $316 shipped.  If you can go that high I highly recommend it!  Ebay can also be a good place for other "new" transformers. 

[Brutus]

Will the MTH Z-1000 run Lionel modern locomotives with whistle and bell etc, like the translvania general or a docksider?

I also have another post I made about the Lionel KW 190 Watt 2 Train Transformer with Whistle -- does it require a separate control to be added for the bell sound?

[chuck]

"Will the MTH Z-1000 run Lionel modern locomotives with whistle and bell etc, like the translvania general or a docksider?"

Yes

"

I also have another post I made about the Lionel KW 190 Watt 2 Train Transformer with Whistle -- does it require a separate control to be added for the bell sound?"

Yes, like a sound activation button.

[Brutus]

Thanks!

Do modern engines have any other problems with the older Lionel transformer?

[lionelsoni]

I recommend a Lionel 1033.

[chuck]

The older transformers may have too much juice at the low end, the older open frame motors needed higher voltages to start turning over.  The older rectifier disks for the horn/whistle often required "booster" windings to offset the voltage drops from these disks.  Sometimes the loco will speed up when you hit the horn button.  Biggest issue is the slow blow thermal breakers.  If you want to use an older PW style transformer with modern equipment, install in-line fuses or fast acting breakers to protect the trains.

[Brutus]

Thanks for the info guys!

[lionelsoni]

I think his 1940 Marx is safe with a 1033.

[BlackJack]

I'd recommend the MTH z1000 100 watt transformer, some dealers sell it broken up from a set for 75 bucks.

[phillyreading]

I'd recommend the MTH z1000 100 watt transformer, some dealers sell it broken up from a set for 75 bucks.

I have not heard of the Z1000 being sold in a set, down here in south Florida the Z1000 is a sepate sale item only as far as I know, don't quote me as saying it is sold only separately! Usually MTH sells the Z500 or Z750 with a new set, MTH recommends using the Z500 or 750 with the DCS-2 control system, the Z500 thru Z1000 have a small push-in plug on the end of the power cord.

Lee F.

[jimhaleyscomet]

S&G -

So what did you decide?

Let us know.

Jim H

[Brutus]

Won a Z-1000 on ebay for $56 with $8.50 shipping, so still cheaper than the stores.  It was getting close to where I would just buy a new one though - apparently only used one Christmas morning.  Was watching a KW, but somebody bought it and then I won this anyway.  Thanks for the info guys!

[Andrew Falconer]

The new TRANSFORMERS movie had the final scenes shot at Detroit's old Michigan Central Railroad Passenger Station in the first week of October 2006.

The Detroit News covered the story. There is a thread for this on the General Discussion part of the forum.

Sometimes the Tranformers are robotic beings, sometimes they are automobiles. For some reason the Tranformers are not freight locomotives.

Andrew