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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

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KENJR i have since 2002 8 mth ps2 engines diesel and steam engines plus 1 ps3 steam engine a lot of post and prewar lionel that are run on layout in dcs for mth or conv for the lionels using remote and  also just use the ZWs handles if i choose with the lionels as well instead of the remote.

Power used are 2 postwar ZWs protected with fuses and have no problems at all.

Thought about the newer transformers but the postwar ZWs work just fine .

Nowadays they can be had for about 100 dollars the carbon rollers easy to replace along with the cord.

Last edited by Dieseler

I would think of the candidates as:

MTH z4k

Lionel ZW-C (with bricks)

Lionel ZW-L

They all provide fast fault protection. The ZW-L might offer an additional feature or two with fold-back capability, etc.

They all put out a good amount of power with the ZW-C offering the most potential, then the ZW-L, then lastly, the Z4K.

The Z4K has the best meters of the bunch.

I've owned the ZW-C and while it performed fine, it was not very robust from a feel standpoint. If manual control is the gameplan, I'd be concerned about it's handles holding up over time. Then there is also the concern about the internal board no longer being replaceable. I'd probably stay away from that one based on these points.

When down to the ZW-L and Z4K, I'd base the choice on brand of Command Control trains being used (now and down the road) as, for example, the ZW-L offers great benefit when connected to a Legacy command base in that it is controllable via. the Legacy remote. Essentially giving you four Powermasters to control track voltage.

All three are good transformers, the quality for any of them is excellent.

If you run conventional engines and want the convenience of a remote control, the Z4000 with the Remote is nice. The Z4000 will also produce the best looking sine wave to closely simulate the sine wave of your current PW transformers.

If you can, check each one out and pick the one you like the most.

 

I run a lot of my Lionel PW, along with modern such as MTH PS1, PS2, PS3 and Williams, K Line, Atlas, etc.   As for the control system, I only use TMCC and therefore have a couple ZWCs with 180 and 135 bricks, and the attached meters.  I also have, and use to some extent, PW ZWs, VW, KW, TW, a 1946 Z, etc.  I do prefer the ZWC with 180 bricks/meter bridge.  I can run all my engines (conventional and Command Control, all makes) very well, and have no problems.  No, I have not gotten any Legacy engines, yet.  But, with the fairly large number of motive power I have, I may not.

So, I recommend the ZWC with 180 bricks for power output, expandability (from 135 bricks), runs all makes very well, and can be acquired for a lower cost than others at present.  If they do not work out for what you wish, can be used for accessories, smaller layout/separate powered yard, etc.

Jesse    TCA   12-68275

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  • Lionel Mod 6-22982 ZW Transformer w meter

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