I need more power, ie; transformer...

There are several options just from Lionel:

For remote use with a CAB-1, you can run TMCC conventional with TPCs(requires a Command Base) or PM-1 PowerMasters(no Command Base necessary).  These will have a chopped wave form output.

For fixed base operation, you can use a 12938 PowerStation controller(7 amps):

Or a GW-180 Controller(10 amps):

both also with have a chopped wave form output.

The MRC Dual Power 270 is available on the used market, as well as the TAC 2001:

The Overlord from Howard the Duck says that too, "I need more power!".

The GW180 will give you 10 amps and is easier to find than the just 180 watt brick right now. It's only a little more expensive than a brick and a direct lock-on.

I have the Troller TAC 2001 and like it's performance, especially with my Williams engines. You can use either voltage setting for your trains; 0 to 9 volts or 0 to 18 volts. Don't need to open up your engines and a do re-wiring job. Also has accessory outputs on the back of it.

It has 150 VA output power, and different accessory voltages from 6 to 24 volts, two train use.

I don't know what it sells for as I bought mine used at a flea market with a box of stuff for $20.00 about three years ago.

Lee Fritz

phillyreading,

    Lee that is one of the  best explanations for the purchase of a 2001 Track Troller I have ever read, great job.

PCRR/Dave

PCRR/dave

Thanks Dave. To be honest with you, I bought the transformer with some older K-Line switches. Tried the transformer with an older Lionel engine, a prewar 224E and it worked well, so I tried it with some Williams engines and really liked it. For not spending much money I did great with this one.

The only small thing with it is that you need some small spade connectors to use at the back of the transformer.

Lee Fritz

Anybody else??

You could go all the way and purchase a new Lionel ZWL. That would satisfy your growing train empire.

I currently use 2 MTH Z-1000 bricks. Gives just over 5 amps and has a fast breaker.

Not as much power as the ones quoted above but plenty for my layout so far.

$76.45 plus shipping from my LHS, A bit more cash and carry but still well under MSRP of $89.95

For Big Power I'm looking at the Z-4000 2 Handles at 10 amps each plus 2 different accessory outputs. UL rated 400 Watts, can't see a problem there.

Currently, I only have ZW's, Z's, a KW, LW and a bunch of smaller types.  But I do now have two Legacy engines and am adding an elevated 0-72 loop that I may want to set up with modern juice for the legacy engines as I don't really want to toast them running unprotected with the older power.  I won't drop the coin for a new ZW so like Jeff I am curious to see other's thoughts.  I have a couple of the CW-80's but I doubt they could handle a K-4 Legacy steamer and passenger cars on a 13 X 15 loop....

That's my thought for now as well. Not having a dedicated layout makes the new ZW look very cost prohibitive, that's why I gravitated towards the GW-180.

How many passenger cars are you talking?  I use the CW-80 for a loop of FasTrack that I run my MTH PS-1 Dreyfuss Hudson and 7 of the large (~17") passenger cars and have no issues with power.  But that is near it's limit.  Add a couple more and it  does start to roll back if most of the train is in a curve.

Was just a guess based on running older Postwar twin motored Lionel stuff, so really probably apples and oranges comparison, plus I might be thinking of the lack of power the little 40 watt starter set transformer has since I have a couple of each.

Sounds like it would be worth at least a looksie on the CW-80 at least for the time being.  Thanks for the insight.

It would be nice to be able to afford a new ZW-L. Have heard the price tag is very high, close to $750.00 or more. 

Have never really needed that much power at one time either.

So it looks like a couple of Z-1000's by MTH would be within my budget this year.

Lee Fritz

Hi Jeff

Just for information.If you haven't already, take a look at the power supplies Rocky Mountaineer has in the For Sale .