Andre,

You can't go wrong with the 1033 for performance and value.  While I traditionally don't run postwar either, I have a 1033 to run my PW when I decide to break it out for the public.  Just my opinion.  90 watts should be plenty of power for Marx 3/16 of which I have a small collection of as well. 

Good luck!

Thanks Jonathan.

I see lots of positives for a 1033. It's also a lot more cost effective for my intents/purposes than an LW.

Andre

I have all of the transformers mentioned above including a few others.

For relatively small PW-style layout a good old 1033 is a great choice. And they look cool, too.

An RW is also a good choice for modest wattage and robust performance.

Charles Ro sells reconditioned 1033 transformers if you are not in the business of vetting and repairing yourself (I'm not).  I have one and it's worked well for many years.

John:

Agree. The little 1033 screams "Postwar"!

Art:

Thanks! I didn't even know there was an RW transformer! Like all the after sale Lionel transformers, it looks to be a solid little unit.

Landsteiner:

I don't mind tinkering. In fact, I actually enjoy tinkering with PW products. Working with honest-to-God Phillips and slot screw drivers is refreshing from working with jewelers screwdrivers, tweezers, and high magnification that much of HO requires.

However, I'll take a look and price the rebuilt 1033's at Ro's site.

Speaking of working on 1033's: How are the levers held in place? Spline push-on/pull off? Stem w/flat side push on/pull off, or some other form like a "clip" or something? It's no biggie to get the levers on/off, is it?

Andre

The LW  will shine on the bigger Lionel locos though.

And the dial will light. Nice to have if you do night running.

It is a little more delicate than 1033s. Still my favorite for styling really.  It looks more like what I imagined a mini prototypical control stand should be. KW is the other PstW Lionel I like for the stand look. (AF also has some interesting looking stands both era as did PostWar  KMT/Kusan)  (ZW handles? I'll give them intuitive ergonomics but the shorter, often sleeve operated throttles kinda suck to thumble around with.. caveman grunts aside)

I don't recall LWs max volts, just that it has more current available. Voltage is another factor in the watts listed; some prewar expected to see more volts sometimes too. My Marx 100w transformer carries a bit more peak voltage than the 1033s but lacks a little umph in amps felt throttling the dial for starts.or running heavy Lionel.

Most of 1033 family spend a lot of time at full throttle with PostW . (especially the 70w 1032 that came in a 1033 case and later 1044 90w with the angled handles). The Marx too.  The 1033s do a great job with Marx Engines though, they respond great.

High speed rollovers with a load are impossible for half my Lionel locos at 90/100w. Marx; if they can keep traction, clear the runway. The Marx quickly become volt hogs when the brushes, holder edges and plates collect brush dust. I thought I cooked coil on the first one; but no worries once dusted.

The result is really that 90% of the time a monkey could play with thottles and nothing would go wrong on the rails.... I need that risk, but I get it elswhere.

I have an AF 18b 180w with deadman handles and I know they made the style at about the 90w range, but I can't really suggest it because you've mentioned whistles.

It may be dis-similar metals and arraignment, but two I know of will output a dc offset at random. Any whistle or horn relay or board will blow. Maybe constant, maybe not for a few laps, but it will blow. Board type are worst. Worn PW air, it will trip and click some but might not build rmp, blow soft, if at all; not enough "on time" in the randomness.  Sound boards throw fits but the reversing ok and with deadman action is great. Lift or press to cycle without upsetting throttle postion, but you can, handle up or down if you want. Press just enough for contact, trottle up, quickly lift your hand, it stops. Or lock it down and use normally. A quick and panicky, bordering violent, flip upwards is your emergency stop. You can use one finger or a wild backhand.  If not for the horn bit it would be my fav. unit.

@laming posted:

 

Speaking of working on 1033's: How are the levers held in place? Spline push-on/pull off? Stem w/flat side push on/pull off, or some other form like a "clip" or something? It's no biggie to get the levers on/off, is it?

Andre

From memory...pretty sure they are spline push-on/pull-off.

And replacement handles, if needed, are easily found.

Thanks John.

The 1033 I'm looking at appears to have the handles installed on the wrong stems: Right side throttle should be the black handle, left side whistle/reverser the orange/red handle. Was wondering if it would be a big deal to swap them to their "correct" stem.

EDIT: Here's a pic of the 1033 in question...

Andre

I’d recommend either the 1033 or the LW.  I have both and they’ve never let me down although I currently use my modern ZW-L more regularly.  The LW as I recall is just over 100 watts vs the 90ish watt rating of the 1033.  Although the 1033 is plenty of power, if you’re planning on adding the bigger postwar locomotives and/or lighted cars I’d go with one of the more powerful ones if possible.

Andre, Yep, appear to be on wrong sides. I recall pulling my handles off easily and simply pushing back on so these could be swapped with no problem (assuming no other unseen issues). I would imagine that some handles could get stripped so to speak so they wouldn't seat well on the splined end.

Jake:

The LW's I've seen are three times or more the price of a 1033. I will only be running one PW Lionel steam or single motor diesel engine at a time on a small loop of track. Surely 90 watts can handle that small chore? As for bigger/more power... IF I ever have the need to up-size to 3-rail (from HO) for dexterity/eyesight reasons, then I'll be much more interested in bigger, and even modern, power supplies. (Sort of doing some "life planning" with my revived 3-rail interest as well.)

John:

Yup they's bass-ackwards. No biggie IF the handles are off/on easily.

Thanks everybody for your contributions to this thread thus far. Good to hear that I may be headed in the right direction!

Andre

I like reliability, power and choices, so I bought two different transformers to run just my postwar trains. Many years ago I bought a postwar ZW to run my postwar trains, which was pretty good, although in certain situations it did not have quite enough power with certain engine and passenger car combos. With the help of this forum it was determined that my gauge wire was not heavy enough, so I now have 12 gauge wire to the tracks. Also since I have many accessories I felt this also put in a strain on the ZW. I had a 1033 to help with some of the accessories, but it was barely able to keep up. I then decided to purchase a postwar Z transformer to replace the 1033. Since I had a Lionel Z as a kid, I recalled how well it worked with all steamers and passenger cars I could run with it. I then decided to have the option to run the ZW or Z  to run my trains as I wanted. Also I have balanced the accessory load between both transformers, so I feel this has made performance even better. I personally feel that getting a ZW will give the power you need now and in the future should you get more power hungry setups. The 1033 might be ok for a small layout, but you may find that you will quickly need more power down the road. (just my opinion)

Adriatic:

I missed your post. Boy, you shared a lot of info that I'll need to digest more fully.

Like I mentioned, the LW's are quite a bit more expensive than the 1033's on the secondary market. However, I'm trying to be objective and not let price totally determine what I purchase. I was almost ready to pull the trigger on a 1033... but after reading your post, now I'm not so sure. (Besides, apparently I LOVE to overthink EVERYTHING. Can't help it. Just the way I'm wired.)

Downside is the auction on that the 1033 I'm interested in ends tonight. SO, I'll need to make a decision before I leave for church tonight concerning that piece.

All fer now!

Andre

N5CJonny:

You are correct about the ZW. I've owned two of them. They are without peer.

The issue I have about them for my intended use is their bulk. Simply so big and bulky when taken off the shelf and heading off to carry it out to the out building workbench and/or kitchen table. That, and my limited shelf space it takes up.

SO, I will need to stick with a smaller transformer for this intended use. (i.e. Workbench transformer that will double as my small loop test track transformer.) I can always up-size in the future should the need arise.

For the foreseeable future, my PW acquisitions will be for tinkering purposes (I like to clean/repair /piddle with them), and some small loop running to give me "ozone fixes". Hopefully, it would be well into my future if any PW acquisitions would ever have to be used for layout use. (If my dexterity and eyesight insist I leave HO.)

Appreciate your input! ZW's are the berries!

Andre

Have overhauled about ten LWs and use one of them on my test loop. Have plenty of power to push a postwar or modern twin motored engines at a good speed.

I love the LW 125 watt Lionel transformer and lucked into them 40 years ago.  I use three my layout just for trains.  They are the most powerful single train transformer made and will run two trains on one track as I often do with two relayed controlled loop.  They have 16 volt output voltage.

They also have a lighted dial where most Lionel transformers do not.  The lighted dial is great for night or dark room running and the light output varies with the voltage output to indicate power output or train speed and the light is off when the lever is at off.

I have never paid more than $35 for the 5 or are so LW's I have (I like spares and bought a couple for the grandkids who were not interested) and I bought a sixth Mar 3, 2020 at a TCA train show just before lock down for $10 ( never pass a bargain, it is perfect but did not have the little colored light cover, but I had a spare and also use industrial control panel light covers for the LW also).

By the way I used a Lionel 1034 for a few years with an LW but soon replaced it as their knobs turn in opposite directions to increase voltage that confused us when operating both at the same time.

Do a search on OGR forum as there are several other members who will tout the LW, it has a cult following !

Charlie

 Thanks for more input, y'all.

LW's currently on the Bay start at $69 and up to $99. Shipping is anywhere from $15 to an absurd $39.50. Hard to get seriously interested in one at those prices. If I opt for a LW, it looks like it will be a waiting game for one that I'm more comfortable with the price and that blasted shipping.

In the meantime, my Marx set is working its way to delivery... so I'll pretty much have to use whatever its little transformer can muster in order to run what I've purchased so as to see if it needs some "help" at the workbench.

Then there's that 1033 that ends tonight while I'm at church. I'll need to make a decision on it before leaving.

Sure is fun to be an over thinker!    (Sarcasm, there.)

Andre

River City 3 Railers received as a donation in 2019 a Lionel KW. It will be used on our 6x11 Postwar layout. This is a really nice transformer. I have become a fan.

Not seen in this picture are two DCC Specialties PSX1-AC 3 Rail Power Shield circuit breakers. They are mounted / wired in a 6x6 junction box directly below the KW. For this layout, they are setup @4.8A with automatic reset. They are very fast!

The small silver connector to the right of the KW is a plug-in for the club's small power cart. The cart was originally constructed for our 12x15 layout. IF the 12x15 layout is not in use, we can use the cart to run command control (TMCC/ DCS/ Legacy) on the 6x11 layout.

@laming posted:

 Thanks for more input, y'all.

LW's currently on the Bay start at $69 and up to $99. Shipping is anywhere from $15 to an absurd $39.50. Hard to get seriously interested in one at those prices. If I opt for a LW, it looks like it will be a waiting game for one that I'm more comfortable with the price and that blasted shipping.

In the meantime, my Marx set is working its way to delivery... so I'll pretty much have to use whatever its little transformer can muster in order to run what I've purchased so as to see if it needs some "help" at the workbench.

Then there's that 1033 that ends tonight while I'm at church. I'll need to make a decision on it before leaving.

Sure is fun to be an over thinker!    (Sarcasm, there.)

Andre

Lionel LW 125 Watt Transformer W/Instructions currently listed on the Bay at $29.99 + shipping

Bill

....All the surprises missed out on by thinking aren't all fun ones

I have a 1033, LW and ZW.

They all have a purpose and limitations. It really depends on what you want to do. But they are all fine transformers and I can't really add anything new other then to say I have them and I like them for what they are and for what they can do. 

Here's a blast from the past. A Jefferson Midget, 75w 7 notch 12v.

It is underated imo. A great duty cycle and though low volt, it runs all but two old locos that insist on 15+ volt to move cars.

Jefferson made good stuff.

If you are thinking of running two trains the Lionel KW would be a good choice. It has plenty of power and individual whistle/ direction controls. Remember with any vintage transformer make sure the circuit breaker is functional, the power cord is not frayed, and the rollers if so equipped are tracking smoothly.

@Training Wheels posted:

Lionel LW 125 Watt Transformer W/Instructions currently listed on the Bay at $29.99 + shipping

Bill

I searched using "Lionel LW" and "Lionel LW transformer" and my hits did not show that listing.

Ah well, I've placed a bid for the 1033, and I'll see how I fared once I get home from church. If I don't "win" it, no biggie, there will be more fish in the sea.

I actually think what I intend to do with the 1033 in view of any future PW purchases (back and forth on a few sections of straight, or around small oval) it will be fine.

We shall see!

Just because I've put a bid in on a 1033, please feel free to continue with input. Us over thinkers like that sort of thing.

Andre

@laming posted:

I searched using "Lionel LW" and "Lionel LW transformer" and my hits did not show that listing.

Ah well, I've placed a bid for the 1033, and I'll see how I fared once I get home from church. If I don't "win" it, no biggie, there will be more fish in the sea.

I actually think what I intend to do with the 1033 in view of any future PW purchases (back and forth on a few sections of straight, or around small oval) it will be fine.

We shall see!

Just because I've put a bid in on a 1033, please feel free to continue with input. Us over thinkers like that sort of thing.

Andre

Search the Bay using "Lionel LW 125 Watt Transformer W/Instructions"

Thanks Training Wheels.

If I don't win the 1033, I may try for that LW, though it looks like it's going to need some servicing. Still the best opening bid price for an LW I've seen.

Andre

@alextwister posted:

If you are thinking of running two trains the Lionel KW would be a good choice. It has plenty of power and individual whistle/ direction controls. Remember with any vintage transformer make sure the circuit breaker is functional, the power cord is not frayed, and the rollers if so equipped are tracking smoothly.

It would be a long time, if ever, before I would truly need the ability to control two trains. I have a friend that has a KW that I've used to run his trains with, and a KW is a FINE piece of equipment.

Andre

Laming

There is a  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lione...6:g:yOEAAOSw2Vpe2tbh

Lionel LW 125 Watt Vintge O Transformer w/ Whistle/Box

from Trainz for BUY IT NOW no bidding at $37.88 ship $18.51 rated as Very Good C-6 by TCA standards.  Trainsz is very large good train dealer.

Charlie

For the life of me, I don't see how you guys are turning up those listings. When I do a search (even with "Descriptions" checked), I get two pages of hits... and of those, only about half dozen (if that) are LW transformers, the rest of the listings are parts/etc.

Perhaps it's Divine intervention to keep me from wasting my filthy lucre?

Andre

Andre, make sure you are using the "" when copying/pasting descriptions. I did the search for

"Lionel LW 125 Watt Transformer W/Instructions" and the one item popped right up.

@Choo Choo Charlie posted:

Laming

There is a  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lione...6:g:yOEAAOSw2Vpe2tbh

Lionel LW 125 Watt Vintge O Transformer w/ Whistle/Box

from Trainz for BUY IT NOW no bidding at $37.88 ship $18.51 rated as Very Good C-6 by TCA standards.  Trainsz is very large good train dealer.

Charlie

It says that it was not tested - is that code for it doesn't work?

Hey all!

Back! We got out of church early tonight!

First off, I won the 1033 with the minimum bid w/a reasonable shipping charge. So, I  now have a workbench/test loop transformer to cover for the little 30 watter that will be with my in-transit set. (IF the little 30 watter even works!)

Gilley:

That's the way I finally got it to show up as a hit: Copied/pasted "Lionel LW 125 Watt Transformer W/Instructions" into the eBay search field with "Search O Scale" trains selected.

What puzzles me is why the search engine doesn't draw up ANY Lionel LW product when I type in "Lionel LW", or "Lionel LW transformer". That's a crappy search engine, IMHO.

Anyway, I have a compact 90 watt workbench transformer on the way, so that can be crossed off my list. IF my indulgence in 3 rail increases to the point that two train operation is a possibility, then I will like go with a KW. I've had two ZW's and never did care for their weight and bulk. (BUT... their "cool" factor and their classic upscale Lionel "look" couldn't be beat!)

In the meantime, it's time to step back and take a breath, and ponder where I'm going with my side-hobby of 3-rail.

Andre

If you do a search for:

Lionel LW Transformer    is a search with the most relevant for that description, plus a bunch of other items that include the words Lionel, LW, or Transformer

"Lionel LW Transformer" is a search for those exact words, in that exact order.

@Sean007 posted:

It says that it was not tested - is that code for it doesn't work?

Not tested is code for "it probably does not work, but we would like you to be hopeful enough that it does work that you will buy it, and don't blame us if it does not work."

Or it could just be not tested.

There are plenty of 1033 transformers on eBay.

Gilley:

Oddly, typing in "Lionel LW" with "Model Trains" as the search field, produced both of the LW's mentioned in this thread! Go figure.

Andre

@RoyBoy posted:

Not tested is code for "it probably does not work, but we would like you to be hopeful enough that it does work that you will buy it, and don't blame us if it does not work."

Or it could just be not tested.

There are plenty of 1033 transformers on eBay.

I almost always pass on auctions that say not tested as that is just an attempt to protect the seller in case the item does not work or possibly it is on its “last legs“ of life.

You'll be more than happy with the 1033.  I had 3 of those powering 3 isolated loops on a PW layout I had as a kid.  We cleaned them up, rewired, and they worked fantastically.  I routinely ran a PW Lionel Alco with lighted passenger cars along with K-Line Alco freights on the same loop with one 1033.  this was the outside loop on a 16x8 train table.

I had (still have) a PW ZW but preferred using the 1033's as we could space them and it was easier for more than one person to run trains together.  A lot of the fun was operating the inner loops with two people and avoiding collision at the two crossover tracks.

@N5CJonny posted:

I almost always pass on auctions that say not tested as that is just an attempt to protect the seller in case the item does not work or possibly it is on its “last legs“ of life.

I usually check the seller's "Other Items" in those cases.  Many times, they have other similar items that they did test. Why not that one? We all know why.

Brendan

Follow up:

Received my 1033 today. Even in person it looks to be in excellent shape. Quickly tested its output and both the variable and fixed power posts have current. Installed the handles like I'm used to seeing (black handle to the right).

Love the compact size. Going to work great for a workbench/small oval setting.

Thanks again for all the input!

If my collection of PW items continues and I get serious about a permanent place for a layout, I may return to this thread for more input, or resurrect an old thread on the subject in question. You have been warned.

Andre

I like the looks and that it lights up to show you it's "on". I use it on my work bench. Don

Still would have gone with the RW with 110 watts and whistle and direction buttons.

The 1033 has whistle and direction. They're on the red toggle.

I think you will be happy with the 1033. As nice as the LW is, it has one big disadvantage, and that is that the low end is 8 volts. Many engines, especially from the O27 line, are already doing 60 mph at 8 volts. The 1033 can be wired to output either 0-11 volts or 5-16 volts, and having that low range available is really nice sometimes.

I've always been partial to the S.  Without handles, they're not as much "fun", but they work well.  All copies I've had seem to provide a lot of power, have whistle and direction buttons, and they're very inexpensive.  

1033 is fine for single motored engines. Not up the task of moving the dual motored F3s and Trainmasters. LW is better and ZW is the best. Lots of places to get ZWs for about twice the price of an LW. Choo Choo has them almost continuously.

Nice thing about a 1033 is it starts at zero in B-U mode. Tames those Williams engines if you decide to try those out.

Pete

@scale rail posted:

I like the looks and that it lights up to show you it's "on". I use it on my work bench. Don

This is a Lionel LW and my fav for a small single train layout with some lights and a couple accessories. 125 WATTS. Yes, dial lights. Forward/Reverse button, Whistle/Horn button. The one shown in the pic has a repro control handle, original handle was black.

My Dad up-graded to this transformer from the one that was to come with my original set, mid 1950's

@laming posted:

 Thanks for more input, y'all.

LW's currently on the Bay start at $69 and up to $99. Shipping is anywhere from $15 to an absurd $39.50. Hard to get seriously interested in one at those prices. If I opt for a LW, it looks like it will be a waiting game for one that I'm more comfortable with the price and that blasted shipping..............................................

Andre

After trying to sell a real nice, boxed, LW at a local show for several months for $45, I finally let it go for $30, and was happy to get that. I was tired of lugging it to each show.

Thanks, all, for additional input. My 1033 came with no Lionel box or instructions, so thanks for telling me about the B-U posts = 0-11v! I need to make a note of that in my train notes txt file for future reference.

Twin-motors and me:

Not a problem. I don't have any interest in the larger near-O scale stuff. (i.e. Lionel F3's, Trainmasters, NW2, GP7/9, etc.) My interest is only in the traditional-sized postwar products that Lionel, Marx, and others, produced.

As for  knuckle equipped equipment (Lionel, K-Line Classic, etc) , whatever I purchase will need to blend-in the 6464-sized boxcars, for I will NOT be using "scale" sized rolling stock at all. Zero. Nada. None. 6464 size will be the largest boxcars I will be using.

In fact, the "Hi-rail" approach is what did-in my 3-rail experiment. As long as I was using traditional sized trains, that center rail was part of the accepted scene. Once I started going toward Hi-rail with scale sized engines and cars... well... I learned I was trying to make 3-rail into something it cannot be for me. (i.e. A substitute for scale 2 rail trains.) Seeing scale trains on 3-rail track is when the center rail stuck out like a sore thumb to my eyes, and I lost my 3-rail mojo.

For many, Hi-rail ("scale") is exactly what they need to do in order to find their 3-rail nirvana, others are fine with a mix of traditional or scale. My mental "givens n' druthers" rebelled against either approach when I started trying to incorporate the Hi-rail concept into my 3-rail preferences.

LW:

I may end up with an LW eventually, simply because. However IF I ever have a permanent 3-rail layout, my preferred control system will pretty much have to have the capability of wireless walk-around. I'm already spoiled to wireless walk-around in HO with my NCE DCC system. I cannot conceive operating an around the walls 3-rail layout with the stationary control panel approach in my modest 20' x 16' layout building that's currently housing my HO layout. I only want "traditional" in the size of the equipment... not the scenery, structures, and other such layout aspects, or for sure to be the only way of controlling them.

All fer now!

Andre

I'm a ZW guy all the way. Have been since they age of 2 when I had a ZW to run the Lionel trains around the Christmas tree. 

The ZW is part of my psyche and in my heart and soul. Just can't settle for less.

I think of the Z4000 as the ZW on steroids, so I'm now a Z4000 guy too.

Another transformer I love the looks of is the American Flyer 30B with it's dead man's throttle. To me it looks like something that might control a real locomotive. Arnold

The 1033 is Andre's reasonable power choice for his startup loop. Each of us has their favorites, but he has made his selection and that is good.

Follow up:

* Found online scans of all the pages of Lionel's "manual" for the 1033. (The internet is amazing.) Downloaded and filed.

* Took my 1033 out to the workbench in my layout building and hooked it to a short stretch of straight track sections and presto: That Lionel durability came through some 60 or so years after manufacture! Throttle rheostat works great. Direction lever works great. Testing the whistle circuit will have to wait until I have a whistle equipped engine, though.

* Ended up having to purchase a batch of Marx track to get what I wanted, but that's fine.

SO... when the track arrives, as soon as practical my little 999 will be purring around an oval or figure 8 shortly thereafter. Now I have a decent little pack and track on the way, I'm all set to start watching for my first Lionel engine to purchase in a long time. Sort of leaning toward one of the Baldwin boiler Hudsons, but it could be a set of cast or stamp frame FA's... it will depend on what turns up in a condition, and a price, that I can't pass up. Obviously, I would like for either a Hudson or FA to have a whistle/horn, though, anxious to check the whistle circuit on my little yeoman 1033.

All fer now!

Andre