PW 250 /275 ZW for MTH PS-3

I use a old zw and kw on my layout and run everything right up to PS3. As others mentioned in other threads put a fast blow fuse in line with the zw track feed in case of a derail or short as the internal breaker is too slow. A tvs diode across the track feed wires offers more protection for the electronics. The old zw whistle button will run the whistle but add a railsounds sound activation button to operate the bell and you are good to go. And yes the chuff will still work you can even activate other sounds with horn bell push sequences I think.

The only things that I would add to the post above are:

• Use a fast-blow 10 amp fuse or equivalent circuit breaker.
• Place it in the Hot Wire between the ZW's output, and the TIU's Hot (red) channel input  if running DCS, or thew center rail if running conventionally.
• If using DCS, the TVS isn't necessary because the TIU already has one internally for each TIU channel.

He did mention 'conventional mode' so I presume he does not have a TIU or any command equipment between the track and transformer.

He did mention 'conventional mode'

Good point - thanks!

I'm so unused to operating conventionally that I'm prone to "tunnel vision" regarding DCS.

I've amended my post accordingly.

I do exactly what you are proposing with a new Y6B PS3 and older PS2 diesels. Works fine, or at least okay. You definitely want the breaker protection added though.

I use Eaton miniature 3amp breakers. faz-c3-1-sp  3 amp 277vac/48vdc. They mount on a little din rail under the table easily enough.

I still see guys using the old ZW transformer.  With all the great high output transformers available today I am amazed why people want to use this under powered unit from the middle of the last century.   I run Z4K transformers but do have the greatest respect for the new ZW-L.    That is one great and powerful transformer.

Agree the new ones are more powerful and arguably safer to use. Having 3 zws and a kw already i could not justify the expense to replace them and have as many throttle handles available. My zws are all rebuilt and i use fuses on all outputs. If it works dont fix it.

You are doing it the right way.  Your area has some high end train guys and they all do things right.   Fuses are cheap.

Thanks. I am not one of those high end guys but enjoy the hobby within my budget. The 'big boys' around here all have Z4K's sometimes with a spare on the shelf

Marty Fitzhenry posted:

I still see guys using the old ZW transformer.  With all the great high output transformers available today I am amazed why people want to use this under powered unit from the middle of the last century. 

I see your point Marty , but there many of us dinosaurs that have hundreds of postwar locos that run beautifully with a postwar ZW. We dislike chopped sine waves that make our e-units rattle, and like being able to fix these darn things with our bare hands Good luck finding the parts for a ZW-L 7 years from now, let alone 70.

And to answer the OP's question, yes, new PS3 equipment works great with an old ZW. Just get yourself a nice bell control and you can use that along with the whistle button to activate some of the features. But don't forget the fuses and transient suppressing diodes. 

What's better to run postwar classic trains then a classic?

I use a rebuilt ZW to power my TIU and PS3.   I also use a ten amp fast blow fuse. 

They work great, no problems at all. 

Also a dinosaur and have 2 old ZW'S 1 powers the small layout for operating trains in conv and dcs other powers the lights and things.

Only have 5 mth engines but really enjoy them in dcs operation.

The newer transformers look nice but use what i have .

My tiu and 2 remotes are from 2002 never updated and things work excellent but layout is a very simple one.

Guys, have fun and enjoy.

Marty