question about transformers

You can run the old prewar stuff with just about anything.

They will run fine with a modern transformer without damage.

I run all my new and old with a MRC Dual with no issues. My buddy Jeff runs all his with the Lionel ZW.

"I was told" is about as accurate as "they say" and should be given the same consideration.

If your pre-war stuff needs 25 volts to run have it fixed. My STG stuff runs fast at 12 to 14 volts.

They only need 25 volts if you want to run them at 200 mph. They will run just fine on a lower voltage...just a little slower.

sorry I did not know you deleted it I was told that by a person that restores standard gauge motors and I thought this was a good place to ask that question . I thought this was a forum to get help and answers to but I guess  if you don't like the questions then you have the wright to delete them but I wanted a answer to it because I was not sure I will not ask anymore questions since I can't get answers 

kevin 

Kevin, you should ask questions here. You are getting the right answers. The person who told you modern transformers would not run your trains is wrong. Please continue to ask the questions you need help with.

hello ted 

thank you for the replay the webmaster said that it was utter nonsense not to post it again to me it was not utter nonsense because I did not know when a person that restores standard gauge motor tells you this I would like to know if he was right   I am not electric savey. and wanted some clarification.  I didn't think any question is  a bad question. but the people that have the knowledge must think so and the ones that do not have the knowledge shouldn't ask.  

kevin   

Kevin,

Feel free to ask your question - there's nothing nonsensical about it.  When I read the webmaster's take on this, I don't hear him calling your question nonsense - he's calling the idea that a newer transformer is bad for your std gauge locos nonsense (something I think most of us who have std gauge would agree with!).  I'm pretty sure Rich's goals is to keep misinformation to a minimum - he's not calling you or your question nonsensical.  No need to take any sort of offense, IMHO.

I've always found nearly every single person here on the OGRR forum to be positive and helpful -- I'm sure you will too.  Keep asking questions and keep posting pictures of your progress.  Both are more than welcome here!

Have fun with your trains - life's too short and uncertain to let any of this get us upset!

Kevin,

I run my prewar trains with a PostWar Celebration series ZW - powered by (2) 135 watt bricks.  I've been running them for years with this transformer.  No issues what so ever.  I run postwar and modern trains with a ZW-L and they run even better with that transformer. 

The web master is just debunking bad advice you got.  Please ask as many questions as you need here.  We are glad to help you.

OGR Webmaster posted:

They only need 25 volts if you want to run them at 200 mph. They will run just fine on a lower voltage...just a little slower.

I have a 10E that I used to run with a type T transformer.  At Christmas time I would set up a 70 foot oval that ran from the tree through the dining room, back hall and bedroom back to the living room.

At the far end of the loop, I had to use the third tap on the high voltage range of the type T, fourth tap to start it from the far end.  The type T high range is 17-19-21-23-25 volts.  The postwar 1033 and RW that came out in 1948 won't do the job.  The ZW is only 20.  The two transformers that I have that are suitable for the old train are the A and R, last shown in the 1947 catalog.  Thee have 24 volts.  The V and Z from 1947 will give you 25 volts.

For those who might wonder about the back through the bedroom, I'm in a typical Boston area two family house in which the master bedroom has a door to the living room and another to the back hall and bathroom.

"I was told" is about as accurate as "they say" and should be given the same consideration.


Advice here is only different because there can be a consensus.