Besides the ZW, what's your favorite old Lionel transformer?

For the bench, I use a 12780 RS-1 as it has both whistle & bell capability w/o switching connections.

KW for me (I suppose largely because I grew up with it) but it is a solid piece of equipment, reasonably priced & refurbished and, I like the zero starting voltage and 14v fixed voltage circuit.

I'm guessing you're asking about postwar transformers for conventional trains? KW's are great but if you want just a good transformer for workbench (for conventional (PWar) train testing, etc.), you could get by with #1033 or #1044 90-watt transformers that have 4 posts; two for variable track voltage and two for 14-volt accessories, etc. The #1033 was around in the late 40s and 50s for a while until the #1044 replaced it. You can always buy more, but get what fits your needs. Get familiar with Lionel transformers by googling here:

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

Yes, that's  a good suggestion--I overlooked the fact Jeff stated he was looking for one for his work area.

The ZW was my  favorite, but I also really like the KW. It has a feature my ZW did not. The ZW starts not at 0 volts but at around 7. For can motors and some locomotives, this made for a jack rabbit start. The KW, on the other hand, can be set to start at 0 and makes can motor locomotives start slowly.  I like that feature and used the KW for those locomotives.

I like the KW and why not toss in a good 1033 for fun.  For the workbench, I would go with the 1033.  The KWs have new circuit breakers but all of my circuits have inline 5A fast blow blade type fuses installed.

It's primitive, and I wouldn't run a modern engine with it, but I love the look of the American Flyer 30B:

And the dead man's throttle is very cool.

I think it's OK for running Lionel Postwar, but I miss not having the horn/whistle button.

Would love to know what others think of it. Here are some more photos:

Arnold

Arnold, I had one of those back in the day.  My layout at one time was s gauge Flyer.  I still have some Flyer accessories on the layout and an 8B on my workbench.

John

For the work bench I'm a fan of the LW. It gives plenty of power and is easy to mount on wall off the work area. Also the lighted dial is a plus.

I like the Z for my workbench.  Plenty of power, four adjustable voltage terminals and you can find them for good prices.  You just have to watch that you don’t set the voltage too high.

LIONEL TRAINS Z TRANSFORMER (tandem-associates.com)

I use an old type V to power lights and accessories. For benchwork I use a 1033 and that is more than sufficient.

I would have to say the LW. It's small, powerful, and aesthetically pleasing.

I like using my KW for the smaller layouts. Right now I just have an oval and siding on a 4 x 8, and it works just fine.

I do have a rebuilt LW that I'm looking to use somewhere.

Like Rob, I use an RS1 on the workbench.  I have alligator clips wired to the second dial and find it invaluable in that regard.  Older transformers though, other than the ZW, I like the LW.

One more question. I have a Z-1000 hidden somewhere that bought specifically to run a few MTH engines I had purchased. Would that be suitable for old/new/newer Lionel??

@Jeff T posted:

One more question. I have a Z-1000 hidden somewhere that bought specifically to run a few MTH engines I had purchased. Would that be suitable for old/new/newer Lionel??

The Z1000 with 100 watts should do quite nicely,

LW

Though as said a 1033 might be a good idea for bench use.

Partial to RWs and 1033/1034s as all purpose utility transformers.   

LWs are well made, but the reverse operation of the lever has led to someone unfamiliar with it launching a GG1 off the table at a show when I requested they stop the train.   

Fortunately, I was on hand to catch the little indefinite, but I've viewed LWs with something of a jaundiced eye since then. 

Mitch

My Lionel Type V transformer. It mostly runs lights and switches.

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

Partial to RWs and 1033/1034s as all purpose utility transformers.   

LWs are well made, but the reverse operation of the lever has led to someone unfamiliar with it launching a GG1 off the table at a show when I requested they stop the train.   

Fortunately, I was on hand to catch the little indefinite, but I've viewed LWs with something of a jaundiced eye since then. 

Mitch

Same feeling for KWs here. The reverse direction of the throttle handles vs my 1033 caused me to lose a train race as a kid. Wanted to slow down for a curve and sped up instead. Funny how those experiences stick with you.

I like the LW, step up from the 1033 I had most of my life.

Pete

I run my layout with a KW. Solid transformer, works well with post war and newer locos. I didn't know you can set them for 0 V start. Anyone have info on how to change it?

I have a CW-80 on my bench which is a POS IMHO.

A Z-750 runs the trains under the tree.

Bob

Had an SW (same case as the TW) when I was a kid, ran two trains no problem - and was WAY cheaper than the ZW (day-after-Christmas sale for $6.00!). I run the Z-4000 now.

Having just completed my layout, I have about 55 feet of track, with ten directly powered switches, all strongly working,  with trains running at top speed, using just a 1033 Transformer that I paid about $10 for.   Eventually, I will buy a bigger transformer, but for now, I still super impressed by the 1033.

P.S.  Hey RSJB, that is  great picture of your control board!

Count me among the LW fans! I use an LW and a ZW for one of my Christmas tree layouts and the LW is, by far my favorite. The illuminated dial screams Christmas to me as it’s what I used on my childhood Christmas tree layouts in the late ‘50’s / early 60’s.

Curt

Always loved the AF 30B Arnold, for the same reasons you stated. Now that I have a small American Flyer layout I plan on one day replacing the ZW I currently run it with, with a 30B. That would make it 100% PostWar Flyer.

Michael R, the Lionel LW is my fav Lionel transformer after the ZW too, for the reasons you stated, but also because that is the transformer my Father got to upgrade my first Lionel set in 1958.

When I get a bigger transformer, it will definitely be an LW.  The green light is the biggest reason.

I understand that the throttle dial works in the opposite direction than normal, but as crazy as this sounds, if I put a transformer on the left side of my control board, and use my left hand to operate a throttle, then turning the throttle "to the left" to increase speed feels totally natural!  (Has something to do with the opposing thumb, or maybe my "right brain controls my left hand" function.)

Mannyrock

@M. Mitchell Marmel posted:

LWs are well made, but the reverse operation of the lever has led to someone unfamiliar with it launching a GG1 off the table...

@Norton posted:

Same feeling for KWs here. The reverse direction of the throttle handles vs my 1033 caused me to lose a train race as a kid...

If you mount the LW on the side of your panel like this, it will be forward for faster.

+1 for the LW on the workbench!

Buzz

I swear Rob, you need to write a book on electrical and operating tips or O Gauge!

@ADCX Rob posted:

If you mount the LW on the side of your panel like this, it will be forward for faster.

Good info Rob but my issue is with the KW. No KWs here only LWs. I don't see any more trains races in my future but if I do I will do plenty of practice laps.

Pete

Another one of my favs is the dependable Lionel # 7 transformer - Look at the name plate in the pic below.

I rarely see it mentioned:

That's the well known MZ transformer. 

Mitch

LOL, you think like me Mitch,

Lionel also issued it's tribute to StarTrek transformer, the SW.  Note the StarTrek uniform emblem handles

Here is a favorite of mine from the "Island Of Mis-Fit Toys".

Type V  Trainmaster with Chrome faceplate and unfinished Marble Bakelite top section.

My favorite Lionel transformers are:

-American Flyer 8B

-Marx 729

The KW for me!

A Lionel VW transformer gets full time service providing switch power and test track voltage on my railroad.

Bill

@Norton posted:

Good info Rob but my issue is with the KW. No KWs here only LWs. I don't see any more trains races in my future but if I do I will do plenty of practice laps.

Pete

I didn't understand your issue with the KW as the KW throttles are the same as the 1033 - clockwise for increase.

But if you mount the KW on a vertical panel on your right, the operation is much more intuitive, as it pretty much duplicates the right hand side of a VW or ZW.