Is the Superpowermax misnamed?

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Hokkanen:
So far all of my transfomers in use have been Z-1000's. I recently dug out a Lionel SuperpowerMax that came with an M-7 set I purchased about about two years ago. I see it is rated at 40 Watts.

I am no expert compared to most of you but isn't that capacity a little low on the totem pole to warrant such a name? In terms of indivudual stand alone conventional transformers is it at or near the bottom in power and versatility?

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Lionel SuperpowerMax

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Originally posted by ADCX Rob:

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Lionel SuperpowerMax

The PowerMax was rated at 30 watts. It didn't last long.

The PowerMax Plus is rated at 40 Watts, and seems to be the entry level transformer now. It's still better than the old 40 watt brick/controller from the '90's. It does have the fan that the CW has and a decidedly better quality feel & operation.

The difference in cost between the 40 watt and 80 watt versions has to be very small, especially considering economies of scale and where the tooling is already in place. They actually had to re-tool to make the lesser units.

It's disappointing that Lionel can't just step up and include the CW with all sets. There is no accessory voltage provision on the small transformers, this is a real penny-wise pound-foolish choice when it comes to the prospect of a starter set purchaser buying even a few accessories to go with a small set.

Just seeing the "Accessory" posts on the transformer and the programming instructions in the manual can be excellent triggers for future purchases.

quote:

Originally posted by Lafondue:
Well compared to the regular Powermax rated @ 30watts can be seen as "Super".

Now if they ever come out with a 50 watts version..what are they gonna call it..???