I replaced the standard brick that comes with the LionChief sets with a Z1000 transformer and the difference is amazing! I no longer see the engine slowing down on curves, the way it did with the LC Brick. Best investment ever.
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TLCOTTONE,
I agree and if you want to see an even bigger difference the Z4K provides it. The Z-1000 is still a might small for a mid to larger layout. You can also us the old KW & ZW Transformers, to get the job done perfectly. I use the old ZW with 5 or 7 Amp Resettable Breakers and just let it set to around 16V, with an on/off switch, this powers my LC Hallmark/Lionel Santa Express perfectly.
PCRR/Dave
I pre-ordered 6-83214 North Pole Central LC+ Pacific for my Christmas layout (Fastrack Corner Xmas Tree layout plan). It will pull the annual Lionel Xmas boxcars. This being my first LC engine, is the LC 72-Watt Wall-Pack power supply (4 Amp) sufficient?
The 72 watt brick is fine for one engine without a bunch of lighted passenger cars. If you add incandescent lighting in passenger cars, I'd consider stepping up to a larger transformer. My personal favorite is the Lionel PowerHouse 180, excellent circuit breaker and plenty of power. The Z1000 has a much slower breaker, I'm not all that fond of that one for that reason.
The 72 Watt supply will probably be enough to run your engine, but you may want to look into something with more power if you plan on expanding your layout in the future. I know from experience that the 36 Watt version that comes with the starter sets is not enough for proper operation of LionChief Plus engines. They will run fine (assuming your curves are wide enough that the drivers won't bind up), but do not have enough power to use the electro-couplers.
When it comes to power, more is better, up to a point. The best bang for your buck is probably a PH180, but using post war transformers can also be very cost effective, as long as you are sure it is in proper working order, and use a separate circuit breaker. If you do a search there are several recent threads discussing various transformers and the benefits and drawbacks of each. If you're looking for ease of use/installation, I recommend the PH180, however the 135 watt versions can be had quite inexpensively on the secondary market. My next choice is a post war ZW or KW.
JGL
Thanks guys! The layout has O36 curves, a 90 degree crossover and no switches. Our holiday train is generally boxcars, though we have a Lionel Xmas music car in the mix. As I recall, the later is powered by a 9V battery. On occasion we'll run the PE Train, which has lighted passenger cars, a sound tender and conductor car. Sounds like the PH180 is the way to go for routine use, I can upgrade to a spare Z4000 if the need arises.
Does the PH180 require a ZW?
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First, For running Command such as Legacy or TMCC, or running LionChief, you don't need anything but the brick. The ZW-C, or GW-180 will allow for running conventional trains off the 180 Watt bricks, but are not needed for LionChief.
Second, if you already have a z4000 sitting around, that would be a better choice than spending money on something else. Set the throttle to 18 volts and call it a day.
JGL
NEB,
I thought you had a Z4K, bring it on line, and pick up a side receiver, forget about the Bricks and other small transformers, your Z4K will power your layout just fine, no matter what you are planning to run.
PCRR/Dave
If that's true Dave, why do you have so many Z-4000's?
I get to see LC+ locomotives each week for repair. When they run right, they love the Z4K. Very smooth start. I do not own any.
Guns,
I pick up Z4K's used at very reasonable prices, I always over power my layouts for expansion, I usually have way more power than I actually need, it's just the way I engineer my layouts. I also have 3 old ZW's and 3 old KW's.
Scotty we always need more power! Pick them up when the price is right.
PCRR/Dave