Transformers NOT to Use on Small Layout with a Variety of Engines

Despite what others may lead you to believe, the power source is not really that important as long as it is to spec electronically.

Any variable power supply capable of ~6-18VAC and atleast 4-5Amps (~70 Watts) is sufficient for most anything you would throw at it (that is a single train on a loop of track).

External TVS Diodes and Circuit Breakers/Fuses a must.

It is important to note that I would express preference for Pure Sine Wave power source as the chopped sine wave of some supplies is known to be incompatible with some locomotives, particularly some MTH PS1.

What is more important to you is the intended audience of the setup. Is this for kids to have fun or what? The ergonomics and presence of whistle, bell, horn and so on may be what is most important.

bmoran4 posted:

It is important to note that I would express preference for Pure Sine Wave power source as the chopped sine wave of some supplies is known to be incompatible with some locomotives, particularly some MTH PS1.

 

This is just the kind of info I am looking for; thank you! 

How do I identify chopped sine wave supplies?  Are other locos besides MTH affected?

It's easier to give you a specific recommendation.  Most modern power supplies are chopped wave.  One notable exception is the Z-4000, because MTH took pains to "smooth" its electronic waveform.  One problem with the Z4K is that it jumps to 6 volts as soon as you crack the throttle, which creates a jerky start with some locos.  It's also big, bulky, and expensive.  An electronic failure will amount to an expensive repair.

Any vintage transformer (made before about 1987) will be pure sine wave.  I totally agree with the suggestions of a fast-acting external circuit breaker and the TVS diode.  

Personally I would find a postwar type KW.  These were rated at 190 watts, and can be purchased in good condition for less than $100.  Check the line cord and plug to make sure they are not frayed.  Wire a double-pole, double-throw switch between the transformer and the track, so that either of its two voltage ranges can be used.  The operator will have a choice of 0-14 volts OR 6-20 volts for power-hungry locos with a higher starting voltage.

Personally I find that postwar transformers don't give reliable whistle actuation.  Adding one of THESE between transformer and track will give reliable whistle actuation AND a resettable circuit breaker.  Good luck with your 3-rail venture!

A KW unfortunately will not fit the place reserved for it, and we only need one throttle, but thanks for the suggestion.

Is an MW full sine wave?  I can't seem to find an answer.

The MW is an odd-ball transformer, only puts out 16VAC MAX, and is chopped sine wave. As to your comment about a KW being too large - the footprint of an MW and KW are very similar. I would definitely recommend the KW over the MW.

I think any refurbished 1033, RW or LW would suit your needs for a small transformer with good power. I believe the CW-80 is a chopped sine wave transformer, so you may want to stay away.

The link below identifies some vintage Lionel transformers that may suit your needs, but be sure to add the necessary suppressors and fast acting fuses.

https://www.tandem-associates....oneltransformers.htm

I would not recommend a CW80. MTH PS-1 engines have problems running with it.

For my money, I'd look at the MRC AH501.

I have a CW-80 (boat anchor) on my bench. The couple of PS-1 loco's I have don't like it at all. A KW runs my layout and is a great transformer.

MTH Z-750, or Z-1000 would probably work well.

The Z-1000 is a reliable power source.

I'm a big fan of the RW, but haven't used it in conjunction with non-PW loco's

I have 4 MTH Z-1000s running my 4x8 layout for years with various brands of engines and have had zero issues...   I guess you can say I have a Z-4000! lol 

Ted S posted:

It's easier to give you a specific recommendation.  Most modern power supplies are chopped wave.  One notable exception is the Z-4000, because MTH took pains to "smooth" its electronic waveform.  One problem with the Z4K is that it jumps to 6 volts as soon as you crack the throttle, which creates a jerky start with some locos.  It's also big, bulky, and expensive.  An electronic failure will amount to an expensive repair.

Any vintage transformer (made before about 1987) will be pure sine wave.  I totally agree with the suggestions of a fast-acting external circuit breaker and the TVS diode.  

Personally I would find a postwar type KW.  These were rated at 190 watts, and can be purchased in good condition for less than $100.  Check the line cord and plug to make sure they are not frayed.  Wire a double-pole, double-throw switch between the transformer and the track, so that either of its two voltage ranges can be used.  The operator will have a choice of 0-14 volts OR 6-20 volts for power-hungry locos with a higher starting voltage.

Personally I find that postwar transformers don't give reliable whistle actuation.  Adding one of THESE between transformer and track will give reliable whistle actuation AND a resettable circuit breaker.  Good luck with your 3-rail venture!

Does it really jump to 6 volts at the track? Does it do this with a load on the track? I think that would send some of my conventional engines flying down the track. This is why I don't use the variable channel on the TIU. It jumps to 5 volts and rabbit starts my conventional engines. 

George

MRC transformers are also not chopped.  Examples would be

        AH501  Pure Power AC Transformer (130 watts; black/single red throttle)
        AH601  Pure Power Dual Transformer (270 watts; black/dual red throttles)

Richie C. posted:

I think any refurbished 1033, RW or LW would suit your needs for a small transformer with good power. I believe the CW-80 is a chopped sine wave transformer, so you may want to stay away.

The link below identifies some vintage Lionel transformers that may suit your needs, but be sure to add the necessary suppressors and fast acting fuses.

https://www.tandem-associates....oneltransformers.htm

i second the use of an LW, 125 watts, big whistle and direction buttons and an accessory circuit, what more do you need for single track operation? they are also, in my opinion, one of the nicest looking transformers out there, and they can be had for cheap. i keep one as a backup for my ZW.

as far as what to stay away from, that’s really a matter or preference and common sense, basically try to go a little bigger than you think you need and don’t get anything DC. i prefer full sign wave transformers because i don’t know anything that doesn’t work with them. having issues of chopped sign wave transformers isn’t typical but is far from unheard of. apart from that, it’s purely preference, whistle, bell, and reverse buttons, accessory circuits, multiple throttles, brand loyalty, is all up to you and your needs/wants.

bmoran4 posted:

The MW is an odd-ball transformer, only puts out 16VAC MAX, and is chopped sine wave. As to your comment about a KW being too large - the footprint of an MW and KW are very similar. I would definitely recommend the KW over the MW.

Thanks for the info on the MW--that's what I needed to know.

As for the footprint, that characteristic also includes weight, and the KW is too heavy for the panel we'll be attaching though your point about its size is well-taken.

Looking at another 1033, an LW, or an MRC based on the cautions here.  Thanks, all!