Upgrading a 1033 transformer to run modern mth engines

Not enough power.  If you hook up a bell/horn setup the train will most likely slow down when you activate them despite the boost .  Car lighting would probably not be possible either.

Get a used KW or ZW and maybe use the 1033 for accessories.

John

Actually modern engines usually draw under 2 amps unlike post war engines. A 1033 is good for 5 amps. Better than CW 80. I ran DCS and Legacy engines for many years with just a 1033. I used a TMCC Lock On for its fast breaker but there are other options plus a TVS. Lionel made a bell button that shows up frequently on the auction sites or they can be built using diodes. No link handy.

Pete

It wouldn't hurt to start with something a little more powerful than a 1033.  The 1033 maxxes out at 16v.  With max load, you'll see 14.5v at the track, which is a little low for constant-voltage speed control systems like Legacy, DCS, or even LionChief Plus.  You might have trouble firing the couplers, for example.

An all-in-one external solution that you could add to a postwar transformer, is the Ott Machine Services (OMS) sound controller.  This control box features a quick-acting resettable circuit breaker, and two large momentary pushbuttons for conventional whistle and bell actuation without significant slow-down.  Ott has been out of business for a long time, so they might be a little hard to find now.  Back  in the '90s, they were available in 8A and 10A versions.  Pairing one of these with a ZW or KW is ideal.  The Ott controller probably relies on diode pairs to create a DC offset for the bell and whistle, which further reduces voltage to the track.  So you really need to start with something like a ZW that makes about 20v open circuit, so you have at least 16-18v under load.  My $.02.

If a bell button is your plan, Jeff at Train Tender will have some.