KW layout new member questions

A KW should handle your whole layout. Using the V for the accessories would be a plus.

I "second the motion" for using your existing KW; it will handle the assignment.  I used a KW on my layout (years ago) for a similar purpose as yours; although my layout was much larger. Never had a problem.

Mike Mottler      LCCA 12394
mottlermike10@gmail.com

We have a KW on our club's 6x11 postwar layout. I have to admit that I am extremely impressed. It is a very nice transformer.  This one was donated to our club last year and was refurbished by the donor. It fits in perfectly with the postwar scheme.



The transformer slides and locks into place with screws mounted on the module surface. One of the screws is covered by my wire stripper. 

To provide adequate protection for modern engines, we have added two DCC Specialties ~ PSX1-AC 3 & 2 Rail Power Shield Circuit Breakers. These are very nice. We have tested and proven that they are faster than the MTH Z1000/Z4000 breakers, MRC Pure Power Dual, and Lionel PH180. Current limits are set via jumpers. Best of all, they auto-reset when the fault clears.

Everything is mounted in a plastic 8"x 8" box under the layout. 

Our KW powers an operating track section.

One of the members brought a helicopter car to a run day last year. The kids had so much fun with it, we bought one for the club.

Agree with all the above about the KW. Way back I used my KW to run two separate large loops without any problems. Both engines had two motors each. Layout size was L shaped 24x 20.

I would agree you will have no problem with the KW and the V but I would phase them for added safety. There are many posts on how to phase transformers and it's a good idea.     Lenny

Hey, Dad Roadie, KWs are great transformers. When I was first getting into them, I had always presumed that the power handles were both set up as "Down equals off and Up equals full power. In fact, only one is set that way and it's the Left handle. The right handle is opposite; that is, power down is fully forward, and power on is in the down or closest to-you position. It takes a wee bit of getting used to but KWs are powerful and can handle a lot when in good shape. 

The other thing I don't believe anyone's addressed so far is that the orange handle/whistle (horn) handle works for both trains. If you're running your 681 and your 2243, you can blow both, just not at the exact same time - one way blows one train whistle and go the other way to get the horn, etc. You have a great transformer, and save your money for more needy things! 

Hi to All,

Thanks for all the replies ! I'm really glad it appears the KW will work for this. Gives me some extra funds to find a 97 coal loader that needs some love. It's the one accessory that I always wanted but couldn't find at reasonable cost that needed restoration. Hopefully now I will be able to. I love rebuilding these old trains and accessories. I also gives me a chance to involve the family in learning how to solder, clean, and repaint things.The kids don't have that opportunity much anymore. Again thanks to all .I will keep you posted on my progress. Regards Dad Roadie

I have used a KW transformer to run a 2343 AA and a 2360  GG1 on a 8X12 layout with no issues. It is a great transformer. Just be sure to check it out especially if it has been in storage for a while. If you plan to run more modern locomotives I would add a faster acting circuit breaker.

Actually, I don’t use any transformer with a single core for running two trains.  There is only a total amount of wattage available, so for example if you speed one up, the other slows down.  And that includes ZW and KW’s for example.

So, I am in the process of building a postwar theme layout and bought two RW’s to power the two main lines.  Each has 110 watts and cost “almost” nothing. More power than a KW.

I bought a KW for my small layout and love it. It's a great power supply for anything from post war to modern.