Two Throttle Transformers

A ZW would actually have 4 throttles. A KW might be a better bet. It has 2 throttles and might be a little cheaper than the ZW. 

You can usually find small starter transformers from the Lionel 1950's era for around ten bucks. More than enough wattage to run one trolley.  A nice 1033/1044 (same transformer, different styling, 90 Watts) will set you back maybe $20 to $40. These are York prices from memory, from recent years. Check Ebay for the 1033/1044 models. There's a 1033 on there for a B I N price of $10.00 right now.

There are many certified ZWs and KWs on the eBay site.  Over the years I have gotten one of each from TCA members and am very pleased with them.  They were rehabbed and guaranteed (can't remember for how long).  Super great packing job.  The KW was about 98$ and the ZW 165$.  If you can't use the programmable accessory tap on the CW80 this would be a good bet.

Least expensive way to buy used at a swap meet.

With that said I think any new two throttle transformer will be expensive. You can however use a less expensive single throttle power supply like a lionel 40 watt / MTH Z500 to run both trolleys. If you want to control them independently (on/off) run the power supply through two toggle switches.

Joe 

Yeah, a nicely refurbished PW ZW would be my choice. It's my favorite transformer and there are several posters here who can provide them. And I think they would fit in your price range.

Got a great deal on one several years back from "OG Fan." A search for PW ZW's should bring up several threads with various sellers.

EDIT:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...built-zw-transformer

There are some nice smaller two train american flyer transformers out that would do the job well

I use a KW on my larger layout and like it. They are powerful enough for trolleys and have the direction control.  Cheaper than a ZW which I also use.

SJC,

   I use the KW's for my bump and go fire cars, trolleys all the time, plenty of power and with 2 channels it works great, just picked up another one myself.  The great thing about the old KW is, if you treat them properly they never wear out, and they are very safe.  They are also great for the kids Christmas train layouts, because you can use the low side to provide less voltage for the kids layouts.  If you take your time and look around you can usually pick one up for about $50.00, that is what I payed for the one I just purchased, shipping is usually extra however.  

PCRR/Dave

SJC posted:

I would like to add another Bump and Go Trolley line to my layout. I already have one operating, using a (very) old CW80 transformer from Lionel. I believe it is one of the early models from circa 2003/2004. The CW80 works but the fan sounds like a chainsaw, none of the buttons work, etc. Only thing that works is the throttle. With it happily just running a single bump and go trolley, I haven't thought much about replacing it ...

You could just take the noisy fan out and the transformer would be good for about 40 watts output, like a CW40. If you are comfortable with working on transformers. The trick is that the CW models have three-bladed security screws IIRC.

Big transformers like ZW's and KW's etc are way overkill to run a trolley IMO. There are many small transformers sometimes available for relatively modest prices.

Today, KW's are available at shows for well under $100.   It should  be just what you need.

I use a V transformer that I bought for less than $50. It has four adjustable throttles.

Seems to me like your existing transformer could operate 2 bump and gos without breaking a sweat. Just wire the other track to the outputs and go. If you really need independent control, then put an on-off switch in one of the track feeds.