Best transformer for conventional operation?

What do you mean by modern engines??  If they are Lionel Legacy or Lionel Vision Line, you might want to consider a transformer that protects their circuit boards.  I am running Vision Line and Legacy engines and use either the Lionel CW80 (1 locomotive)  or ZWL.

Modern being a MTH PS-2 steam loco and a Lionel RTR set transformer control only from 2014.  I believe both the Z-4000 and ZW-C are fairly good at protecting modern electronics.

I am interested as well. Other than 400 watts vs 620 is one putting out better juice?

GVDobler posted:

I am interested as well. Other than 400 watts vs 620 is one putting out better juice?

Actually, the ZW-C can handle 720 Watts (4 x 180) with four external bricks. I think the new ZW-L is limited to 620.

George

To power a layout with P/W and modern era trains, I would go with the ZW-L.  The power is shared among the channels so if you draw more on one it just applies to the total power draw. The downside is that its almost $800.

KENJR i have since 2002 8 mth ps2 engines diesel and steam engines plus 1 ps3 steam engine a lot of post and prewar lionel that are run on layout in dcs for mth or conv for the lionels using remote and  also just use the ZWs handles if i choose with the lionels as well instead of the remote.

Power used are 2 postwar ZWs protected with fuses and have no problems at all.

Thought about the newer transformers but the postwar ZWs work just fine .

Nowadays they can be had for about 100 dollars the carbon rollers easy to replace along with the cord.

I would think of the candidates as:

MTH z4k

Lionel ZW-C (with bricks)

Lionel ZW-L

They all provide fast fault protection. The ZW-L might offer an additional feature or two with fold-back capability, etc.

They all put out a good amount of power with the ZW-C offering the most potential, then the ZW-L, then lastly, the Z4K.

The Z4K has the best meters of the bunch.

I've owned the ZW-C and while it performed fine, it was not very robust from a feel standpoint. If manual control is the gameplan, I'd be concerned about it's handles holding up over time. Then there is also the concern about the internal board no longer being replaceable. I'd probably stay away from that one based on these points.

When down to the ZW-L and Z4K, I'd base the choice on brand of Command Control trains being used (now and down the road) as, for example, the ZW-L offers great benefit when connected to a Legacy command base in that it is controllable via. the Legacy remote. Essentially giving you four Powermasters to control track voltage.

All three are good transformers, the quality for any of them is excellent.

If you run conventional engines and want the convenience of a remote control, the Z4000 with the Remote is nice. The Z4000 will also produce the best looking sine wave to closely simulate the sine wave of your current PW transformers.

If you can, check each one out and pick the one you like the most.

 The KW isn't already enough power? Why not just upgrade its protection?

A better breaker/fuse system can be had.

The CW80 may drop out at times with some PW.

 If you need the power, flip a coin for board durability, or just look for a zw.

For the electronics, you'd want to have a TVS to each line regardless.

I run a lot of my Lionel PW, along with modern such as MTH PS1, PS2, PS3 and Williams, K Line, Atlas, etc.   As for the control system, I only use TMCC and therefore have a couple ZWCs with 180 and 135 bricks, and the attached meters.  I also have, and use to some extent, PW ZWs, VW, KW, TW, a 1946 Z, etc.  I do prefer the ZWC with 180 bricks/meter bridge.  I can run all my engines (conventional and Command Control, all makes) very well, and have no problems.  No, I have not gotten any Legacy engines, yet.  But, with the fairly large number of motive power I have, I may not.

So, I recommend the ZWC with 180 bricks for power output, expandability (from 135 bricks), runs all makes very well, and can be acquired for a lower cost than others at present.  If they do not work out for what you wish, can be used for accessories, smaller layout/separate powered yard, etc.

Jesse    TCA   12-68275

KenJr,

   IMO I love & recommend the Z4K with the side receiver, all kinds of running options with DCS & Legacy with the Z4K.  

PCRR/Dave

I use MTH 4000.  Works well for conventional.