TrainGuyMcGee posted:

Hello all.  I've been out of the hobby since I was a kid and am just now getting back into it.  The last time I owned a train (and was HO scale) was in the very early 90's.  Needless to say, much has changed as I'm finding out now.  I'm building an O scale layout  and have all the equipment except for a transformer. 

It appears that the manufacturer's websites haven't caught up with the times and are very hard to navigate through and find information.  I'm essentially wondering which transformer to use; it must be compatible with the Legacy Command System as that's probably all I'll be running.  Here's some specs for my layout that's in progress:

* Single loop that's about 60 feet worth of track

* Using Atlas O 21st century track (looks beautiful and runs super quiet)

* O72 curves

* Legacy Command and control system

* Will primarily be running Lionel Vsion Line Locomotives but will eventually buy a couple Atlas loco's as they appear to be very well built and much more affordable

So, do you guys/gals think this transformer would be a good fit: Lionel's GW-180 180-Watt Transformer??

I can't seem to find anywhere on the web (including Lionel's website) that says if it's compatible with the legacy system.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Ps... My layout is going to be on a 6" shelf that's about 8 ft. off the ground.

I have 3 legacy loops and 3 conventional loops all about 40 feet +/-. For The Legacy (Legacy and Vision Line)   the Lionel powerhouse brick (180 watt transformer 6-22983) is used, the convention 1 lionel  CW 80 and 2 MTH Z 1000 Transformers.

For what it is worth the Lionel 6-22983 is hard to find.

I am sure the real experts will comment, hopefully my information will be correct

Brent

Thanks Breece.  Any information helps.  I just got all my track researched/purchased along with my legacy system.  Shelf built, track laid and now, I can't seem to find any data on transformers.  It's very frustrating.  To make matters worse, there are virtually no O scale shops in the Dallas metroplex. 

The manufacturers all post specs on the equipment but don't mention whether or whether not if it's compatible with this or that.  I'll look into the item you posted unless somebody else chimes in.

Thanks!

Yes, the GW is compatible with the legacy control system. Actually, I can't think of a lionel or mth transformer that is not.

As far as power goes, you should be fine.

i assume you're running only one train at a time? Just plan on attaching feeder connections every few track jointa along the loop rather than relying on just one single power feed.

If only running legacy and/tmcc locos, you can skip the variable transformer component and just use a 180w brick. It would feed 18v at all times. 

If you add a legacy powermaster to that brick, you can then run any conventional or non tmcc loco using your legacy remote

The GW-180 will work fine with Legacy.  All modern transformers from the various manufacturers will work with Legacy just fine.

I will agree with others, if you really want to streamline your setup 180 Power Houses with Legacy Powermasters may be your best option for running both Legacy and conventional locomotives.  The new Powerhouse 180 is due in stores soon (or so Lionel has said) so they should be available soon.

The nice thing about Legacy is that it will work with just about any modern power supply.  To control the power supply with the throttle for running non Legacy/TMCC engines, you will need a power master or a command ready supply like the ZW-L.  In your case, you will not need this.

 The GW180 is very nice and will work perfectly.  It is essentially two parts.  First is a 180 watt power brick that puts out a constant 18 v and the second part is the traditional throttle.  The brick could be used on its own with a powerhouse lock on for command controlled trains only.  When used with the throttle, you will have two outputs.  One will be variable, controlled by the throttle, and one will be fixed (you can preset the voltage) for accessory power.  

TrainGuyMcGee posted:

Thanks Breece.  Any information helps.  I just got all my track researched/purchased along with my legacy system.  Shelf built, track laid and now, I can't seem to find any data on transformers.  It's very frustrating.  To make matters worse, there are virtually no O scale shops in the Dallas metroplex. 

The manufacturers all post specs on the equipment but don't mention whether or whether not if it's compatible with this or that.  I'll look into the item you posted unless somebody else chimes in.

Thanks!

Agree, O gauge shops are few but there are a few in the area. Google "Model train shops Dallas" there may be one close to you.

I live in Rockwall, Tx. My email is in my profile, 

There is a TRAIN SHOW in Plano TX twice a year , the next one is January or February next year.

This is thr right place for all questions, the folks on this forum are great.

Brent

IMO, the GW-180 is overpriced.  The PH-180 brick comes in at $99 on the street (when it's available), and the GW-180 is around $250 on the street.  You're paying $150 for a simple little voltage control box, that seems a bit excessive to me.

For much less than $250 you can have a like-new rebuilt PW-ZW and add a couple modern circuit breakers for the track feeds.  That also gives you extra outputs for accessories.  For the same $250 (actually $260), you can have the MRC AH601 270W transformer.  This offers two variable outputs, each with a voltmeter and ammeter as well as accessory voltage outputs.  It also offers a real 270 watts of output power.

I agree with John that the price is high.  For the GW180.

I have the MTH Z4000 transformer. no issues at all using it with Legacy. Been using this combo 4 many years.

Well poop.  Prior to you guys posting, I ordered the Lionel GW-180.  Problem is, the vendor didn't mention it was on back order until after I purchased it. 

TrainGuyMcGee posted:

Well poop.  Prior to you guys posting, I ordered the Lionel GW-180.  Problem is, the vendor didn't mention it was on back order until after I purchased it. 

Cancel the order.