Lionel ZW or MTH Z-1000

The most important question to answer would be. What type of modern equipment? Some work better with the Z4K and some with the PW-Z.

"Pappy"

The Z-1000 works very well but has only 100 watts of power, has a 7 amp breaker and accessory power output. 

 

I am surprised that you don't want another Z-4000, unless the cost of another is a factor.

 

The Lionel post war ZW has about 190 watts of usable power(275 watts is the input power from the wall), one internal circuit breaker on the common side rated at 15 amps. The down side to the post war ZW is that it needs better circuit breakers in line with the track around 7 or 8 amps(you can almost use one to weld with, that's how bad the factory breaker is), also may need to have the whistle circuit repaired.

 

If you run modern trains with electronics in them adding some transient voltage suppressors(TVS units) will help clip voltage spikes that can harm new electronics. They are very low priced compared to a new circuit board, approximately $3.00 each unless you buy a large quantity then the price may drop some.

 

Lee Fritz

1.5KE36CA at Digikey

 

Quantity one 72 cents, quantity ten 63 cents.  As a bonus, shipping from Digikey is only a couple of bucks first class mail for small orders.

 

 

 

John, ordered the tvr's (thanks for the link) I was searching for how to install them but I am coming up empty. Do you have the instructions?

Pappy.....mostly modern era Lionel or MTH (PS1-2-3), K-line.  A few MPC Lionel engines and in the closet are some of my Dad's Lionel engines from the 50's. 

 

 

You just connect them directly across the power supply.  They can be used across the track and in individual locomotives.

 

@ santa fe va   if you need a fully rebuilt pw zw i have 4 ready to go for 165.00 each shipped !  e-mail in profile

Thanks og fan......I am going to try the z-1000 and see if it will do the job but will keep you in mind if I need the zw.

To make it even easier for you to understand how to connect the TVS unit, you simply connect one end to the A terminal(positive) and the other to the U(common or negative) terminal on the post war ZW.

You will not short out the ZW.

 

The TVS units must have dropped some in price, as I think that I paid about $1.60 each for mine.

 

Lee Fritz

Ty

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