Building a "transformer"

It would be much more cost effective to purchase a reconditioned classic transformer or see if your shop would offer a loaner transformer.

If you want to build your own, get a line voltage to 18VAC step down transformer and build a chopped wave output with a variable resistor controlling the firing of an adequately sized triac. The details which are left as an exercise to the reader to research.

Since you'll need to start with a transformer anyway, you are much of the way there so why not just do as recommended above: buy a reconditioned Warhorse. There is nothing wrong with an MTH Z750 or Z-1000. They work quite nicely.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the MTH Z-1000, for my money that is the best single-throttle unit available today.

Some day, when I get a Round Tuit, I am going to build the Z-controller (adjustable part of a Z-1000) into a derelict Lionel LW housing. They are both about 100W, with a 14V auxiliary output in addition to the 18 volt main output.

If you want the "sturdy" Lionel PW look, prices on those transformers are heading toward zero. You can buy far cheaper than you can build.

When I get a roudtuit I want to convert a Z-1000 into a walk-around throttle. Move the pot into a small handheld housing and tether it using standard 4 conductor phone extension wire.

geysergazer posted:

When I get a roudtuit I want to convert a Z-1000 into a walk-around throttle. Move the pot into a small handheld housing and tether it using standard 4 conductor phone extension wire.

Will the train stop when you disconnect the throttle to move to a different position?

Here's a little help starting your projects... 

A friend of mine gave me this, said his wife had given it to him and he needed to get rid of it quickly. 

RoyBoy posted:

geysergazer posted:

When I get a roudtuit I want to convert a Z-1000 into a walk-around throttle. Move the pot into a small handheld housing and tether it using standard 4 conductor phone extension wire.

Will the train stop when you disconnect the throttle to move to a different position?

Why reinvent the wheel. The MRC Dual Power already has the walk-around feature including the memory function to move the handheld among jacks placed on the layout. They can be found at bargain prices.

Even better, TMCC  Conventional mode (CAB-1/PM-1) is full wireless walk-around control and rather inexpensive now to implement.

ADCX Rob posted:

RoyBoy posted:

geysergazer posted:

When I get a roudtuit I want to convert a Z-1000 into a walk-around throttle. Move the pot into a small handheld housing and tether it using standard 4 conductor phone extension wire.

Will the train stop when you disconnect the throttle to move to a different position?

Why reinvent the wheel. The MRC Dual Power already has the walk-around feature including the memory function to move the handheld among jacks placed on the layout. They can be found at bargain prices.

Even better, TMCC  Conventional mode (CAB-1/PM-1) is full wireless walk-around control and rather inexpensive now to implement.

I own two of them (AH101). Do NOT try to run any MTH PS3 engines with those old Warhorses. They produce chopped-wave output rather than sine wave and PS3 hates it.

I also own the more modern Throttlepack AC, which at least outputs sine wave. Still crummy low speed control.

Oh, and while MRC claims unplug/replug capability it doesn't actually work (runaway trains).

I would go with "Even better", then.

 I started with an old fluorescent light dimmer. Stripped it down to the power rheostat coil, removing everything but the iron core and winding. Used it for the primary (120) side of my transformer. I then wrapped wire around that until I got 20 volts for my secondary winding. 
  For my throttle I mounted a power transistor and a rheostat to a piece of aluminum. I coupled a 1rpm dc motor to the rheostat, also adding a relay into the circuit. 
 I used a phone head set cord and a radio shack project box    with two buttons fast/slow speed and switch for off/reverse.  
 At that time we had an old rest home building for our club and the layout went thru several rooms and hallways.  
  Today I’d buy the MRC.
 

RoyBoy posted:

geysergazer posted:

When I get a roudtuit I want to convert a Z-1000 into a walk-around throttle. Move the pot into a small handheld housing and tether it using standard 4 conductor phone extension wire.

Will the train stop when you disconnect the throttle to move to a different position?

In the case of a modified Z-1000, no. Have not looked at the electronics enough to know whether an open circuit (infinite resistance) at the speed-control pot would result in zero speed or full speed. In my case not a problem because the train room is small enough I don't need to move the tether to different outlets.

Thanks guys. I was able to score a Z500 power unit and Z750 controller at what looks to be, if my research is accurate, somewhat lower than market price.