Lionel vs. MTH transformers

I thought that it was only some very early PS-2 locos that might behave erratically under the CW-80 but I could be wrong. 

I would suggest trying the Lionel power first and see how it performs. If it works, then having the extra 35w over the z-1000 would be beneficial.

The Z750 or Z1000 is no panacea, if you want a "better" transformer, step up a little.  I have plenty of issues with the Z750 on the bench with some locomotives in conventional mode, same as the issues with the CW-80 and the like.

CSURam posted:

My question is I don't see a use or need for the Lionel Powermaster set.  I understand it was intended for TMCC and Legacy trains.  I have read that MTH trains don't like the CW-80 and so am thinking I should sell the Powermaster set and use the proceeds to buy an MTH Z-1000 or Z-750 set up.  I currently just run an 8' x 4' system, but may expand to some arrangement of 2 4x8's or similar sometime in the future.

Thanks

 

This pair is for operating conventional trains with a hand held remote. If you are happy controlling trains with the transformer handle, then you don't need these.

This pair, the 12938 PowerStation-PowerHouse Controller is for operating conventional trains with a hard wired controller and was not a very popular item. It is essentially a "BW-135" transformer - a 7 amp controller with whistle/horn & bell controls, direction, and a 14 volt fixed output.

So what system does the original poster have? If it's the one Rob shows, then forget my previous answer.

RoyBoy posted:

So what system does the original poster have?

CSURam posted:

...Lionel 135W Powermaster and Power Station "Set".  This is the power brick and controller together...

It looks like he said "Powermaster" mistakenly instead of "Powerhouse".

What Rob shows in the picture above is exactly what I have.  And yes, I misquoted.  The orange and blue Lionel "box set" is labeled Powerstation-Powerhouse set.

Thanks all for your input.  So, it looks like it will run conventional Lionel trains...and we will see how it goes with the MTH Southern Pacific Daylight...?

I have a couple of these controllers. They work fairly well.

That looks like my old workbench!

gunrunnerjohn posted:

That looks like my old workbench!

Could be, showed up in this search, w/o a way to attribute it to anybody...

That's funny Rob, that was a picture from when I was selling one.

Thanks all.

Just to let you know, I have an earlier MTH PS-2 that doesn't like CW-80 transformers. One of our other forum members helped me figure out the problem and a work around. 

The CW-80 outputs a slight voltage even when throttled down, which messes with the boards in these engines. By placing a load on the circuit, an 18v bulb in this case, between the transformer outputs to the track, it provides enough resistance to allow the engine's electronics to boot properly. It works perfectly as long as the bulb is attached.

I dislodged once and couldn't figure out what was wrong until I inspected the transformer and realized what had happened. The engine ran perfectly again after that.

I would like to find a resistor that would do the same thing. Is it possible? Any recommendations on specs for one?

A 120 ohm resistor would draw about the same 0.15 amp that a bulb would, but will dissipate nearly 3 watts of power. So you would need a 5 watt resistor. Chances are you could do the same job with a higher value resistor (which would dissipate less power), but it would need some experimenting. Why not just stick with the bulb, since it works well? If it ain't broke; don't fix it!

Rod

Thanks Rod! Tom

Actually, I just have the bulb dangling behind the transformer, so I need to hide it in something. Maybe I need to build a signalman's shack right there to place it inside of.

But what's wrong with breaking it so it needs to be fixed? It's a perfect reason for an upgrade then! M

Thanks again for the specs on a resistor.

Tom

I opted to get a MTH Z-1000 for the Christmas tree layout this year after may frustrating years with my CW-80 tripping on overload. So far so good, the Z-1000 handles my PE Berk and 5 lighted coaches without breaking a sweat. The low end pick up is nice and smooth too.

One minor frustration though. Why didn't MTH put accessory power terminals on the brick????????? I don't need accessory power for the Christmas layout now but if I did in the future I'd need a second transformer.

Bob

Bob, my Z-1000 brick does have a 14v accessory terminal.  Purchased two years ago. Maybe the new ones don’t have it?

Yup, my Z-1000 has 14VAC accessory output. It's what I run my whole pike with, all accessories and DCS Remote Commander for train control:

A TVS Diode ACROSS the output terminals and a 22uh toroid choke IN SERIES with the output to the center rail. DCS is thus good-to-go.

• U.L. Approved
• 100 Watts Max Power Output
• Controller LED On Light
• Smooth Operating Throttle Knob
• Built-In Circuit Breaker Protection
• Individual Bell, Horn and Direction Buttons
• 14v Accessory Port
• 60Hz Operation Only

???

Interesting. My brick has a spot for the terminals on the case exactly where Lew's are shown, but nothing else.

Checking the MTH site- looks like I have the 40-1000B brick. No 14v acc terminals . It's from the 2006 RTR catalog so that may explain it.

When running in AC mode there are unplanned times when three locos coincidentally gang up in one Z-1000 block with no ill effect.

So the plot thickens...... I have a Z-750 in a Z-1000 box........

Hadn't noticed before. I bought the transformer over the summer and put it away till now.

Yup, that explains the lack of 14VAC accessory terminals. They packed a Z-750 in a Z-1000 box....and you paid for a Z-1000?