mine is the Lionel ZW because of its power output and 2 handled design
Bob C.
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Bob, that is mine as well. I still use my original PostWar ZW (275W) to power accesories and lights on my layout.
Since I am a Postwar style train guy, I use a ZW-C that I bought when it first came out to power the layout. I am using it with 180W bricks.
If we are going to start this again, then I am going to say, Bridgewerks Magnum 4000.
And before someone says 'in 3-rail', you can actually run prewar engines on DC power. This transformer has 40 amps of power!
Lionel LW. Because it looks so dam cool!
Pete
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Bumble Bee!!!!
Now before you think I'm just being smart..........
I went to work for a buddy that had a toy and hobby shop. Needless to say I knew more about hobbies than toys. The transformer toys were super hot at the time......and it took me a while before I realized calls asking if we had 'transformers' were about the toys and not the units we stocked in the hobby dept. It always stuck with me when I hear 'transformer'......
I do have 2 25+ year old MRC packs that always work and have the power needed.....
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I have two MRC Duals (one in use and one as a backup). With the two big handles and the two sets of gauges, I think its the most bang for the buck. I have an old MTH 750 watt transformer for the turntable yards (layout is set up in blocks), but with the layout rebuild and the addition of Legacy, I will pull the MTH transformer off the layout.
Jim
you are right. the LW does look cool at that
Bob C.
Z-4000 for me. Reliable and no problems since released (I purchased however many years ago when the Z4k was originally released, gotta be over 10 years).
Mark
ZW. Why? Gomez Adams!!!!!
PwerHouse/PowerMaster combo. Can place under the layout, and contol via Cab 1!
Texas Pete posted:Lionel LW. Because it looks so dam cool!
Pete
I agree!
Some day, I am going to take a derelict LW and put the innards of a Z-Controller in it. Then I would have the best of both worlds!
Lionel KW!! Efficiently sized, and so many fixed voltage options that blow away most of the modern competition. It also feels really nice while controlling speed, and probably close to what an early trolley control stand would've looked like( no frills)! I do wish however that it had a "Pilot light" like a ZW, but the overload indicator suffices plenty. And also, a KW can be had for Half that of a ZW (I paid only $35 for mine!), so the versatility and value cannot be beat!
AMCDave posted:Bumble Bee!!!!
Now before you think I'm just being smart..........
I went to work for a buddy that had a toy and hobby shop. Needless to say I knew more about hobbies than toys. The transformer toys were super hot at the time......and it took me a while before I realized calls asking if we had 'transformers' were about the toys and not the units we stocked in the hobby dept. It always stuck with me when I hear 'transformer'......
I do have 2 25+ year old MRC packs that always work and have the power needed.....
I was going to say "Optimus Prime," but you beat me to the punch.... I'm one of the generation responsible for those toys - got O.P. on my 5th birthday! 
Was actually sick & had/got to stay home from school all day; Mom gave him to me early - thought it was way cool, even though it hindsight it was probably just to distract me/shut me up....
As for trains, I've been happy with the Z4000 I got last year, though other than that I've only had the CW-80 that came with my streamlined PE set. Can't remember much about the ones back in my HO days growing up.
The post war ZW is my favorite, then the post war KW, and finally the MTH Z-1000. The post war ZW has enough power for me and don't break the bank either like the newer ZW-C & ZW-L do. The KW has multiple accessory output voltages and the Z-1000 has both bell & whistle and accessory power output.
Lee Fritz
The ZW to run my PW-style layout. Just a classic!
ROW, Z4K, and ZW-L. These are the powerhouses of today for running modern trains. . I like the old ZW for lighting. It is not in the same power output as what I mentioned I like. OK for lighting.
Pete, I had an LW as a kid and liked it very much.
Robert Coniglio posted:you are right. the LW does look cool at that
125 watts, it's got some balls too! 
Pete
RW. I'm t is anazing
I use a Z, and a KW for my O gauge layout with a separate ZW on the Standard gauge. I put a green lamp bulb to a post on the KW so I know it is on. Run some lights and a few signals off both.
The ZW for running MU War Bonnets with five or six motors.
The KW for nostalgia --1st "big un" mine before my birth, but dead, & gone. An X set's unit, and was an "oops". It wasn't built anything like production KW's, except outer looks, pre-war Z type gearing inside for the right sides handle, reverse operation of right handle. Away from you with both was more throttle, pull back on both for off. I still throw the new KW's right throttle the wrong way out of childhood habit, so the right handle is for lighting now 
LW for looks, small size with good power, and function of the "night light" dial
It's very nice to be able to see the controls real well when running in the dark 
I'm partial to post war stuff so I'm all in for Lionel's ZW and KW because of their power, looks, reliability and versatility. I use these on my year round O gauge layout. I also like MTH's Z 4000 and I use it on my Christmas layout.
I would like to hear more about the MTH Z4000 I am not familiar at all with it.
Bob C.
1) Post War Lionel ZW, lots of power, cool looking when I have all 3(sometimes 4) on the board at shows and haven't had any problems in 20 years with them.
2) Pre War Lionel Z, Like the Box look and the extra UMPH, that they put out, they just don't have the whistle blower the ZW has.
I was thinking Optimus Prime, but it's been done before. LOL
I am partial to the Lionel 1033 and similar units with the dual voltages. The lower range is just right for vintage Marx trains.
The Max and a Z4000
R-O-W
If this is a 'sit around the campfire and chit chat' question you're going to get chit chat answers. If you are looking to purchase a transformer, perhaps you could share what you are looking for. For instance, if you have MTH locomotives you may need a Z4000 to set the various programs. John in Lansing, ILL
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I like my Type Vs. Vintage Lionel look, and all the power I need.
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I have a ZW, two KW'S including my original one bought for me by my brother, now deceased, and two LW'S. All are unbelievably cool. Operating my railroad as a kid with my KW and Super-O track- doesn't get much better.
If I were running only Postwar - The ZW would be the choice. Hands down.
For modern stuff, I lean to the ZW-L. The reason is that I run Legacy and conventional equipment and it has four powermasters built in to allow remote control of the conventional loops via. the Legacy remote.
No need for external powermasters, circuit breakers, TVS, etc.
1 MTH 4000, 2 ZWs and 1 KW .
Right of Way; for reasons known to many friends on the forum
Lou N
My favorite transformer is MTH Z-4000 (2 transformers for powering layout, 1 for powering powered accessories). I own 3 of them! Very reliable! I also own 2 MTH Z-750 transformers for powering my Atlas "O" switches. I also have a MRC 270 Dual Control transformer. I use that transformer to power the building lights on my layout.............................rogerw.
Lou N, you built it. I never heard of one with a problem. Job well done.
Marty
I like MTH Transformers. Well built, easy to use. I do not have a Z4000 (never felt like I really needed one) but we use them on our club layout. At home, I've got a collection of Z-1000s (some going on 15 years old and still tickin') and a Z-500. They all range in age from about 15 years to 2 years old. Only problem I've had is with the controllers leaking voltage at off position. That seems to have been an issue on a few newer controllers.
My favorite is a KW-like the handles and buttons and has the constant voltage posts. I use the 6 volt post for the green "On" light. The Z has the power and I run 3 trains of it with a 4 control for lights, signals etc. The ZW is too big to sit on my counter and not comfortable with the control handles. I have spares-a ZW, KW, and an LW which is a nice unit. Then a 1033 runs my trolley. My Z and KW side by side take up as much room as a ZW. Always on the look out for a good transformer at a good price.
My favorite when running Postwar trains is the ZW. For running modern trains my favorite is a MTH Z-1000.
For me, it's the Lionel 1033.
Reasons: Durable, affordable, reliable and repairable - need be.
Operationally, the dual voltage settings are a huge plus.Obviously the A-U for postwar and MPC locos.
With the B-U setting of 0-11 volts to the track, I can run the early LTI vintage starter locos as well as the K-Line locos like the MP-15, S-2 and Alco FA without the jackrabbit starts... and run them slowly to boot. I have a conversion box so I switch to DC current from the same transformer when needed.
I don't do digital control and use a variety of off-board sounds, so the 1033 is perfect for my needs.
My Hot Rod. ZW-L Power,protection and capability. Post war ZW for lights.
I like the flames. It would be nice to have the gauges.
