Is a 100-Watt transformer adequate for a Std. Gauge trolley and a lot of mainline?

That should be Ok for single unit running.

Steve

Should work fine.  I use a Z-1000 for running lash-ups.

Paul Kallus posted:

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Does the Z-1000 have accessory terminals? If there's power to spare, I'd like to use it to power the houses, too.

 

Yup.  14V AC.  

As for 100W being "adequate", someone correct me if I'm mistaken but I believe MTH shipped Z-500 or Z-750 (50/75 Watt) transformers with their "starter sets" that had a twin-motor diesels and several load cars. So if all you have is an "unloaded" trolley, I think you'll be able to light up some houses/buildings and then some! 

Thanks everyone.

It works because the MTH PS1, 2,3 series all use modern can motors which typically use about 1 amp, or about 25 watts of power each.

Jim

I'm looking at a Lionel 1924 catalog (repro).  On the transformer page, they say the Type T, 100 watts, will operate any standard gauge train outfit and that a Type B, 50 watts, would run any O gauge outfit.  Standard gauge outfits included some twin motor locomotives.  50 watts ought to be enough for a single motor pulling no cars.

You might want to check the voltage.  Seems to me that some of those older motors were designed for higher voltage.  All transformers in the days they made standard gauge went up to 25 volts.  Many postwar transformers were 19 volts or less.  Look for a "Trainmaster" Type Q, A or S.