Thanks for the continued advice. Let me begin with my comment on the "coil". Shows you how much I know about this stuff. Best to refer to the photo I posted earlier. I was referring to the item on the left half of the "coil and laminations assembly" (as identified in Greeberg's Repair and Operating Manual for Lionel Trains, p 587). Not sure if this is the secondary coil, or not, but that is what looks fried in the photo. I suspect the odor comes from this item when it heats up.
And yes, the lights are creating a serious load. I have lots of operating accessories, and they have been in service for months without any real heat from the ZW or Z. I would guess that's because most of the time, only one is in use at any given moment. Before I began adding the lights, the only items in continuous operation were the switches and bumpers connected to the ZW: 11 OLRs and 2 022s, plus 5 bumpers, set at 14v. No serious heat from the ZW.
The heat started when I began to add the lights over the past few weeks. I was wondering how this would go, so kept an eye on the ZW, which had all the lights. Yes, it heated. But then the meltdown occurred on the Z, which had nearly all the accessories, and no heat. When I first put the Z into service, I noticed heat, crackling sound, and a serious dim in the green light one time when I turned the knob on for the A circuit. I suspected an internal short, so did not use that circuit. Then the "meltdown" occurred suddenly a week ago. I must have nudged that knob. Even though nothing connected on that circuit, the Z was smoking badly and stunk. I shut all circuits down, unplugged the unit, and had to get it out of the house b/c of the odor. So this event was from an internal short, not an external draw.
In any event, all the incandescent lights will continue to pose a hefty load. So alternatives appear to be are more power with the lights broken up into manageable sections, or perhaps switching to LEDs. As I noted above, I repainted the #58 lamps and they look fantastic. I also have about a dozen refurbished vintage 71s, which are also incandescent. My preference is to keep these, so I'll be on the lookout for more power. This will be for accessories only, so don't need whistle or directional controls.
Until I secure additional power, I can keep the draw down by disconnecting some/all of the lights, or maybe spreading the load among the ZW, Z, and R units. This will get me by the holidays and all the fun with the accessories. Will certainly consider the suggested power units. Thanks, Pat, for the offer, but NC is a bit of a distance from Portland, Oregon! I have seen lots of refurbished units at train fairs (been to York several times; link this with visits to family in NY), so will see what is available on line, at local train shop, or at the fairly big show in late January outside of Seattle.
I'll keep you posted on the eventual solution. Thanks again, and Happy Holidays all!
Michael
