American Flyer 30B tranformer

Let me preface this with a "I am not an electrical engineer".

I have some vintage transformers that I use, but NONE are with anything that have electronics in them - just use to power up accessories (AF 18B, Lionel ZW-R, Lionel KW and Lionel Z).  Yes, it's overkill, but I like to be able to adjust the brightness of the town on the layout.

OK, so to your question.  I am fairly certain an AF 30-B will have more than enough punch, but due to the circuit breaker on the transformer being there to protect the transformer, not your train (and the latter's sensitive electronics), you may be looking a possibly toasted Polar Express if things did nto go well at some point - like of the train derailed.  A risk is a risk and if it were me I would find a modern transformer to run a modern train.

What would you recommend? I'd kind of prefer a transformer with dual throttles, but I wouldn't be opposed to getting a 2nd CW-80. What is good for controlling the accessories, lights, turnouts, etc? I don't want the trains running on the same PS as everything else.

Thanks,

Ken

hello glockr..........

well you can get the MTH's Z4000 or the MRC's dual power transformers, both have dual throttles and are made to run modern trains.

the woman who loves the S.F.#5011

Tiffany

 you will be fine with the 30B. The newer MRC dual throttle fried my PS2 electronics in my MTH Premier loco a few years back.

  If the voltage control is mechanical ie moving contact roller across windings, you will be OK, as there is circuit breaker.

  However, electronic control of voltage, unless its a quality Lionel or MTH unit, you maybe taking your chances. Al

I am a fan of the MTH transformers.  They work very well:  Z500, Z750 or Z1000.  They will be 'compatible' with the electronics, so I have been told when I was researching this same issue back in the summer (not posted here, my own 'investigation' with train folks/store owners.)  The MTH unit will allows you to do bell, whistle, dirction and or course power.  If you want to go full blast on power, Z-4000.  But that is a huge jump in price too.  Hope that helps. 

Some of these responses are way off the mark.

Al W.

The 30B is a great transformer and puts out more wattage than a Lionel ZW.  Definitely will power a long Polar Express and more.  All you need is a in-line fuse between the transformer and track to protect the electronics.  If you want to get a little fancier you could use an adjustable circuit breaker, such as the one Lionel offered in the late 50's/early 60's, or a TVS unit (transient voltage suppressor).  But an in-line fuse will do the job and they are available at Radio Shack.  Use a fast blow fuse.

AF 30B's are cool looking and fun to use.  I have two.

John

What John23 said. That's the way to go.

Gandy

If you are using an older transformer with newer trains you would do best to install the TVS devices along with modern circuit breakers, TVS's are cheap and will clip voltage spikes. Go to www.mouser.com or Mouser Electronics and look for TVS's under electronic parts, get one rated for 36 volts A.C. bi-directional.

Lee F.

Jim Barrett has an excellent video on how to build a box with fast-acting circuit breakers to protect modern electronics.  I built his box and added 8 tvs diodes (2/circuit) to protect modern electronics.  

In my opinion, fuses or circuit breakers do almost nothing to protect modern electronics.  They do protect wiring.  What kills electronics is voltage spikes.   The tvs diodes will clamp any spikes when a short circuit occurs.  Voltages will drop everywhere on the circuit, including the path of the direct short.  The current level rises dramatically in the path of the short and falls in all parallel circuits due to the voltage drop. The only short that would damage the electronics would be a short in the train electronics and associated wiring, which no external fuse or circuit breaker would probably ever catch.  

I suspect every modern transformer is equipped with tvs diodes to protect against voltage spikes to protect modern electronics.  The average user is completely unaware of their existence in the transformer and the only protection device the user interacts with is the circuit breaker, so he naturally assumes that the circuit breaker is what is protecting his electronics.

Earl

Yes the Flyer transformer will run you trains just fine. Adding some protection as mentioned above will help protect your newer trains. Another CW 80 when money permits will take care of all your present needs and give you whistle/bell as well.