My brother is getting ready to build a medium size layout (16x8) with a couple of loops. He has some postwar and two modern engines currently. We are looking to replace a postwar KW transformer with a more modern one. He has the opportunity to purchase a ZW-C w/180W bricks or a Z-4000 w/Z4K remote controller at competitive price. Looking for people's thoughts on which one would be better for a conventional train environment, especially as to reliability and ease of use. Are there any limitations with one or the other (I have heard that starting voltage for Z-4000 is 5-volts; don't know if correct or if that is a problem with engine speed in conventional mode). I have seen notes about ZW-C and not being able to fix if a bad controller board. The ZW-C does have the meter attachment that I saw is not very accurate for current.
Appreciate any feedback.
Ken
