Transformer

Steve...I moved this to a more appropriate forum.

Thank you.

  If your train run good now I would stick with what you have. If you plan a major expansion in the future then go bigger.

Consider two LWs.

IMO a ZW-L is over kill for a 4x8 layout.  As stated above if the CWs are working then I would stick to those.

As Mike said, it depends on what you running now and what you plan to run in the future.  The ZW-L is a quantum leap from the CW 80 in both power and cost.  If you are running postwar and conventional, the ZW-L might be very expensive overkill.  You might be better served with a reconditioned postwar ZW, which can be had for about $200 versus just under $1,000 for the modern ZW-L.  On the other hand, if you are planning to move to Legacy or DCS, the ZW-L might be the way to go.

Steve let us know what you are running, postwar or modern. Also what your future plans are and we can be more specific in our answers.   Lenny

With your layout, it sounds like your 2 CW80s would be sufficient for now. However, if you expand it and eventually run more engines and accessories, you may want to consider Lionel's new Base 3, which is supposed to be out in late August. Then if you upgrade to the Base 3, you would need more power. A couple of Lionel 180 watt bricks would be good, and still less expensive than a new ZW-L. Just my 2 cents. 😉

I agree with all of the above. On the other hand, if you can afford to drop $1,000 on a ZW-L and you simply want it, you’d be set for life. Personally, I’d stick with the CW80s until I need a major power upgrade.

I run entirely modern. All of my engines but one are Legacy. One is conventional. I run everything in conventional. My track and switches are Altas. I use (Lionel 6-32923) 1.8 AP transformers to provide power to the lights on the buildings. I'm  limited on space to expand so I won't be building anything bigger than 4'x8'. I enjoy creating new layouts so I generally leave one up for a few months and then take it down and build a different layout. I hope this additional information is helpful.

@Steve McCulloch posted:

I run entirely modern. All of my engines but one are Legacy. One is conventional. I run everything in conventional. My track and switches are Altas. I use (Lionel 6-32923) 1.8 AP transformers to provide power to the lights on the buildings. I'm  limited on space to expand so I won't be building anything bigger than 4'x8'. I enjoy creating new layouts so I generally leave one up for a few months and then take it down and build a different layout. I hope this additional information is helpful.

Running modern stuff eliminates any postwar transformers (ZW, KW, etc.) unless you add TVS diodes and better circuit breakers.  Those items aren't expensive, but don't risk your expensive modern electronics without them, even if you're not using DCS or TMCC.

I'm in the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" camp.

Thanks for all of the input. I appreciate it. Are there any other thoughts?

Steve

The Lionel LW 125 watt transformer is great choice.  It is the highest watt single transformer out there.  My layout is around double the size of yours and often run two trains per one loop, on a relayed 2 trains on 1 track system, with no issues.  The LW has a lighted dial that indicates voltage output and allows great night operation.  I have been running 3 Lionel LWs transformers for over 40 years without issues.  Do a search on "Lionel LW transformers" on OGR forum to hear more good experiences with LWs.

The best thing about LWs is they cost around $30 on eBay  plus shipping.

Details on how I built my layout are at the OGR forum link below.  Index is on Page 1 bottom of Post one.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...fties-era-027-layout

Charlie

Another vote for the LW. On my last layout, I had a ZW for the track (which was probably overkill) and a LW for the switch motors and anything else. Nowadays, my LW powers my workbench circle...very reliable.

Tom