bmoran4 posted:carsntrains posted:So Lionel says a ZW of any type can run 4 trains with no problems. What baffles me is if they can. Why are many here only running two trains per ZW??
Those using ZWs are likely to be running in conventional mode with high current pullmor motors and incandescent lamps. A single train with dual motors and a long string of passenger cars full of lamps could easily pull almost triple digit watts. Additionally, while the ZW has 4 throttles, only 2 have whistle and direction controls, and thus the other two "throttles" are relegated to power some accessories.
How is that running circles around a CW-80 that I know will run 3 trains on one transformer for as long as you want them to run? If it takes 2 ZWs to run 4 trains, or 5 ZWs to run 10 trains, what advantage does it have over 4 or 5 CW80s running ONE train each? Or even 4 or 5 CW40s running 4 or 5 trains? In 1954, 1923, or 2017 it just aint making sense to me?? Or that Z4000 or whatever it is.
Remember, transformers are rated on watts, not "how many trains" they run. A ZW is rated at 275 watts, the CW-80 only 80 watts. A CW-80 may be hard pressed to run that elegant dual pullmor motor loco with that long string of passenger cars. With modern can motors, command systems, and low power lighting, you could get away with using only one throttle set to 18V and have capacity to run 8 or more trains from a ZW.
Its description says it will only run two trains. But I do understand the ZW and the other transformer do look cool. I think any modern transformer is fine .. and safe.. If you have good track wiring and keep your rails and equipment clean.
You are entitled to power and maintain your empire how you will. Any properly serviced transformer of any age is safe.
Well my own experience tells me a CW-80 will power a long string of incandescent lit passenger cars, and 2 other engines double heading 14 freight cars and a incandescent lit caboose. For hours and hours. I like the ZW and to CW. .. Just trying to figure out the best route to take.
