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With the Z4000. the two handles must be at 0 volts when power is turned on or the transformer will register a short.  Therefore, you need to be able to get to the transformer whenever you apply power.  Also, as stated above, I would think you would want to be able to see the meters.

 

Happy railroading,

Don

I have mine on a wheeled cart with extra wire so it can be out of sight when not in use.

You could make a heavy duty drawer bottom and pull out when running layout to view amp/voltmeters and move handles on z-4000 after it has powered up.

Or create a lift out section on the layouts surface and view gauges that way yet transformer is basically out of view.

 

The handle issue at startup is a pain at times which is why I designated mine as yard/ roundhouse power.

 

Originally Posted by MartyE:
Apparently the Z4000 is an OGR status symbol so yes.
 
Originally Posted by scale rail:

I have MTH Z4000 transformer. Also I have both Lionel and MTH remote systems. I'm building my new layout. Is there any reason to have my transformer on display or can I hide it. Thanks for your thoughts. Don

 

Yes, I remember not too long ago reading a thread about that. Ostensibly, the Z-4000 is like owning a Porsche. That's alright, I'll stick with my old reliable '72 Dodge Dart, I mean 180-watt PowerHouse bricks.

I also have mine on a wheeled cart that rolls under the layout, and the meters are visible through most of the control area.

 

If you use the MTH Z-4000 remote receiver, you can turn the transformer on and off with the DCS remote and never touch the handles. You don't need the handheld transmitter for the Z-4000 remote; the receiver plugs into the transformer and it works just fine with the DCS remote. You can control the voltage from the DCS remote if you want to run conventional. 

"Put it where you can see it ..it looks cool!"

 

Boy, I am with you Nick on this one. For me, it is strictly a throw-back want from the time I was a kid. Transformers, switch controls, etc. look magnificent on a big, long control table.

 

Technically, not necessary, but I sure like it.

I don't care for the look of the Z4000, so I bought a ZW-C, with the digital meters add on.  Right now since I don't have a layout yet, it's on top of my entertainment center where I can see it.  That was the only place I could safely put it for now.  But when I do get that layout built, it may not be at the track level, but it will be easy to get to as I will set up my layout to run conventional, as well as command.

Originally Posted by scale rail:

I have MTH Z4000 transformer. Also I have both Lionel and MTH remote systems. I'm building my new layout. Is there any reason to have my transformer on display or can I hide it. Thanks for your thoughts. Don

With the blinking lights and moving gauges they look nice, plus the minute you place them in an out of the way spot, you will have to pull them out to reset the breaker or connect a new wire. Picked that up from vast experience....

 

With the DCS Remote Commander system you can leave the handles at Zero, still nice to see/read the volt and amp meters.

Last edited by Lima
Originally Posted by DGJONES:That's the one thing I don't like about the Z4000.

With the Z4000. the two handles must be at 0 volts when power is turned on or the transformer will register a short.  Therefore, you need to be able to get to the transformer whenever you apply power.  Also, as stated above, I would think you would want to be able to see the meters.

 

Happy railroading,

Don

 

Spence;

If I could put a bug in MTH's ear,that one would be on the list. Have it start at Zero and ramp up on Power On If you Leave the handles up. It's likely just a software change.

The Remote makes it OK for use with my DCS so that's probably the answer for me.

 

Then again, I'm using multiple bricks into the TIU, so I don't really need a Z4000 anyway.

Don - I agree with Dewey.  I would sell the Z-4000 and use Lionel 180 power bricks out of sight.  Put them on a switched power supply and they will come on when you switch on the power.  They have great fuses, cost less, don't have to be powered on like the Z-4000, reset by just switching the power off and on, and easily expandable.  I am not against the Z-4000 which is an excellent power source, but if you are using command control you don't need the handles.  If you want meters, they are easy to add.

 

Art

I like the design of Lionel Transformers even the CW80.  They are very cool looking and the ZWL is the best looking device on anyone's layout. I'm not a big fan of the MTH design aesthetic and would hide their stuff.  I think the decision is ultimately up to what you want to highlight and focus on.  To me, ever since I was a kid I have always liked the electrical aspect of the hobby and always liked to see the transformers and control panels. I use bricks to power my new layout, but when I get further along I will find a prominent place for my old ZW even if just for show or to power a small line for kids.  

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