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Anyone aware of any changes, modifications or improvements MTH has made to its Z4000 since they first introduced it in 1998? I know Lionel has made revisions to some of their transformers such as the CW-80. Has MTH done anything similar with the Z4000? Do recent ones differ in any way from the earlier manufactured ones? Also, any possible pitfalls to buying an early "Z4000" versus a recently manufactured one? For example can any of its electronic components oxidize, leak, corrode or simply go bad in some way from just sitting idle for years without use? What about the red led read outs? Has MTH quality control remained constant during the 14 years it's been produced? Any code on transformer  itself or box which indicates year it was manufactured? Regarding it's warranty, is it like their locomotives in that if you buy it knew but it's "old" stock then it is no longer under warranty?

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I expect that there have been internal changes, as electronics parts do have a certain life cycle. eventually the manufacturers stop making specific parts, so a substitute must be found. The parts that may deteriorate over time(electrolytic capacitors) are usually replaceable. Solid state parts(transistors/diodes/IC's) usually will work "forever". The led  readouts should last "forever"--- 40-50 thousand hours. There are date codes imprinted on the case.  The warranty is as far as I know, just one year, just like the engine warranty.

AN unqualified YES!!!  The original one were designed with the assumption that a "lighted lockon" would in fact be uses.  These units will not ZERO the voltage without the lighted lockons or equivalent load.  IN the day MTH would "repair" actually exchange them for revised design.  I had been there, done it, and got the T-shirt related to a fellow O-gaugers Z-4000.  He knew many at MTH so he called and handed the phone to me.  Had an interesting conversation.

 

The old ones show on the output plate something like 160 or 165 VA where as new design shows 180 VA per handle.

 

Ron

The "EARLY" Z4K has the voltage spike problem. When a person turns the unit on a voltage surge to the tracks (50+ VOLTS!!) DOES occur. YES!!, I own one of the "EARLY" models. And "YES" IT DOES do the voltage thing. Would MTH fix the problem? A simple, "NO!!". I had to learn to live with it by installing a few protective measures that I had to pay for. At the time these were rather expensive. My only other complaint would be about the horn buttons. They do stick from time to time. As I run prewar only (no horns) I do not use the blasted thing on a piece of crap transformer. Am I happy with my Z4K? NO!! and 2X NO!! Would I buy another? NO!! and 2X NO!! Would I tell someone else to buy one? My answer would be,

"H**L NO!!" and 2X "H**L NO!!"

 

**Please Note: I bought my Z4K when they were first released. The same attitude at MTH applies today. Accept no real responsibility, deny everything, admit nothing.

Last edited by Prewar Pappy

**Please Note: I bought my Z4K when they were first released. The same attitude at MTH applies today. Accept no real responsibility, deny everything, admit nothing.

 

 

Seems to be the case.  

 

I have two Z-4000s (early) and they have worked OK (except for some of the issues above) but I always wish I had invested in P/W ZWs with some heavy-duty re-conditioning.  The Z-4000s were bought to run Proto 1 locs.  Mistake.

Originally Posted by Happy Pappy:

Am I happy with my Z4K? NO!! and 2X NO!! Would I buy another? NO!! and 2X NO!! Would I tell someone else to buy one? My answer would be,

"H**L NO!!" and 2X "H**L NO!!"

 

Well, Happy Pappy obviously ain't!   Probably ought to consider a screen name change.

 

But I'll provide an opposite perspective.  The Z4000 is the best transformer I have ever owned, and it appears to rank among the most-preferred transformers in this segment of the hobby (based on what I see submitted for the magazine and on this forum).

 

I don't know about the earliest versions and always try to avoid buying first-generation electronic stuff, but I am perfectly happy with the performance of the current generation versions.  And keep in mind that the Z4000 is UL-approved.

Allan,

In all my many, many years in the hobby, this is the ONLY item I regret buying. Other than this I'm as happy as happy can be. This hobby has been very nice to me. I was alive in the "Good Times" of the hobby. I saw the decline of Lionel. And now the few reminders of the, "Good Times" (LHS) are dying. Yes, I'm still a "Happy Pappy" because I'm alive enjoying this great hobby. Who knows, I might even buy another, Z4K. 

I have an early model, from the second year or so and I love it.  It never failed to do what MTH said it would.

I also have a post-war ZW with modren electronics on it  and I have no problems with it at all. That said when I consider the total cost diference; PW-ZW, pluss meter boards and such a second Z4K would of been a better investment due to the extra power I would have.

 

I'm sorry you had two bad ones, Pappy. I was wondering was the units losers from day one, if so did you bring them back to the dealer?

I have one of the first generation Z4000's that had the throttle problem which was an easy fix.The remaining seven are newer and made in Thailand.The overall fit and finish is superior,the handles are tighter and smoother.I am very happy with my Z4000's and highly recommend them.

 

I have seen the new ZW-L and it is impressive,it will be interesting to see how it performs in the long run.

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