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Hello, new poster here. I have been perusing what folks have written here before on upgrading transformers but I have generally seen that the opinion of folks leans towards more transformer than I need given my layout's size constraints. Right now I am using the only transformer I have ever owned, the little red brick that came with my train set as a kid (it is marked as a Type 4851, made in Mexico). Its been dropped a lot over the years and gets a little hot and is loud.

 

Since getting back into the hobby, I have acquired an MTH Premier Dash 8 that is not DCS. But it does have a horn that I would like to use. I have one loop with track staging yard and all I can run at once is one train since all my trains are conventional. For accessories, I run off of a small lionel accessories transformer since I don't like having my lights turn off when I stop my trains. So the power needed is really only for running the train itself.

 

Most people on here seem  to want to go for the Z4000 which is way more than I need. The Z1000 looks nice, but I also like older equipment (made in USA) like the lionel LW. I also don't plan on upgrading to digital any time soon due to the price.

 

What do you folks recommend? Thanks!

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A little more info about the KW and ZW. You decide which fits your needs.

 

First the KW has two handles and outputs for running two trains at the same time, however the whistle control lever is for use with one train at a time as they both share the same handle. Other facts about the KW is that it has two or three output voltages for accessory power, the ZW don't have that.

 

The ZW has four controls that can be used for running four trains at one time, two separate whistle controls independent of each other. Handles A & D have the whistle controls and B & C just have variable voltage control like handles A & D. The ZW has no other outputs which means NO accessory outputs unless you dedicate handle B or C to accessory power and set with a volt meter.

 

FYI, I have both a KW & a ZW transformer. Also have a Z type transformer which is a four train transformer, 250 watts, without any whistle controls.

 

Lee Fritz

Last edited by phillyreading
Originally Posted by rboatertoo:

I am not sure it the MTH Premier Dash 8 has a bell but with the zw or kw you can't operate it.  I know they have add on bell button but I have never had success with it.  

Oh that points me towards the z1000 then. I want to use the horn since all my old engines from when I was growing up didn't have anything that fancy!

 

This is the engine I have:http://www.mthtrains.com/20-2005-0

 

 

Originally Posted by Johnahoe74:
Originally Posted by rboatertoo:

I am not sure it the MTH Premier Dash 8 has a bell but with the zw or kw you can't operate it.  I know they have add on bell button but I have never had success with it.  

Oh that points me towards the z1000 then. I want to use the horn since all my old engines from when I was growing up didn't have anything that fancy!

 

This is the engine I have:http://www.mthtrains.com/20-2005-0

 

 

And you know, I think I misread that. No bell on my train but it does have a horn that looks like it'll work with the vintage lionel transformers. Or am I wrong?

I would go with the MTH Z-1000.

 

You have new electronics in your engine, you would have new electronics in your transformer.

On the outside chance, you buy something because its cool and it has proto 2 or something, then you have both the bell and the horn.

Get it new and it will come in a box with a warranty so if it breaks.... you get it repaired or replaced.

Just my thoughts.

 

Ben

You need to look down the tracks and determine if you intend to expand your needs in the future. Most of us tend to grow our layouts and equipment, so if that is something you would do in the future, then buy more power than you currently need. This is the safest course of action.

 

As for the best out there now, I prefer the Lionel ZW-L.

Last edited by Former Member
Originally Posted by Johnahoe74:

Hello, new poster here. I have been perusing what folks have written here before on upgrading transformers but I have generally seen that the opinion of folks leans towards more transformer than I need given my layout's size constraints. I also don't plan on upgrading to digital any time soon due to the price.

What do you folks recommend? Thanks!

John,

I hope that you're not feeling as if anyone is trying to make you buy anything more than you need now or for sometime down the road. Most are just speaking from experience. Take a look at what Rob is talking about below. You shouldn't need more than that for a while.

 

Originally Posted by ADCX Rob:

Originally Posted by phillyreading:
Does the Atlas or Williams transformer have accessory output?

 

Lee Fritz

Yes, hence the versatility(much better than the Z-1000). That knob at the top labeled "Accessory Control" is the variable accessory output/voltage control.

 

And it really is a pure sine wave, not the "electronic" sine wave the MTH has.

Rob,

I agree with you 100%. The OP shouldn't need more than the WbB unit for sometime. It will provide years of problem free service.

My train days are drawing to a close. I'm glad to see those just getting started seek the advice of the ol' salts.

No, this has been super helpful! No pressure felt! I really appreciate everyone's feedback.
 
Originally Posted by Happy Pappy:
Originally Posted by Johnahoe74:

Hello, new poster here. I have been perusing what folks have written here before on upgrading transformers but I have generally seen that the opinion of folks leans towards more transformer than I need given my layout's size constraints. I also don't plan on upgrading to digital any time soon due to the price.

What do you folks recommend? Thanks!

John,

I hope that you're not feeling as if anyone is trying to make you buy anything more than you need now or for sometime down the road. Most are just speaking from experience. Take a look at what Rob is talking about below. You shouldn't need more than that for a while.

 

Originally Posted by ADCX Rob:

Originally Posted by phillyreading:
Does the Atlas or Williams transformer have accessory output?

 

Lee Fritz

Yes, hence the versatility(much better than the Z-1000). That knob at the top labeled "Accessory Control" is the variable accessory output/voltage control.

 

And it really is a pure sine wave, not the "electronic" sine wave the MTH has.

Rob,

I agree with you 100%. The OP shouldn't need more than the WbB unit for sometime. It will provide years of problem free service.

My train days are drawing to a close. I'm glad to see those just getting started seek the advice of the ol' salts.

 

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