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I live in Australia with 240V power. I’ve read that Lionel made some of their transformers with dual primary windings. Presumably that’s what’s in my RW250 which has 250V input. I do own a step-down transformer but I’d prefer to buy a used stand-alone transformer from the US and changeover the primary input.

Does anyone know which particular models (with AC output) had dual primaries – particularly the more powerful ones? The LW 125W appeals to me because the track power will go up to 20V which suits my Marklin loco. Does this have dual primaries? Any advice appreciated.

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Thanks for the replies. It seems the person who wrote of dual primaries was not correct. I also checked the transformer circuit diagrams in my Greenberg’s Repair and Operating Manual and indeed all those listed have only one primary. Only the RW250 version of the RW is listed as suitable for 220-250V input.

Glad someone agrees with me regarding the LW. I love its retro look and useful output voltages. I own several large step-down transformers, so I could use one of these with a US-sourced LW. Hopefully the LW won't mind 50 cycles instead of 60 cycles.

For conventional running I can't see the 50Hz being any problem, however I've heard there's some issues with TMCC and early releases of Legacy. I'm not exactly sure of the details on this, but there are a couple of UK forum members that have discussed it in the past and you can probably find some information using a search of the forum.  

Even with conventional running, I'd do a little research just to make sure you won't have any problems with any engines with electronics inside.  I don't see it being a problem, but some of the early  "modern" electronics in engines can be finicky about power sources.

JGL 

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