Lionel's Most Powerful Single Train Control Transformer

Hi Charlie,

  Glad you are giving the LW some respect! I have 1 on my workbench and another backup one. I never had a problem with either one.

 Tom 

There is no power limiting in a postwar ZW, all of its power is available at any output if the other outputs are not in use. I think the same is true of the KW. I agree, however, the LW is a great transformer, with a big red user-friendly Whistle button (great for kids). IIRC the LW was offered well into the 60’s. 

The OP seems to be concentrating on PW transformers, although based just on the topic's title would not the GW-180 be Lionel's most powerful single train control transformer?

Also, the KW's and ZW's watts listed above were the input watts, not the output watts to the tracks which was lower.  Was the LW's rated wattage of 125 watts the input watts or the output watts?

CAPPilot posted:

...Was the LW's rated wattage of 125 watts the input watts or the output watts?

There are a few errors in the passage. The output is rated at 6 amps continuous, but near this limit the voltage drop is considerable, resulting in about 95-100 watts available. Also, there is no rheostat in an LW. 

Also, the KW's and ZW's watts listed above were the input watts, not the output watts to the tracks which was lower.  Was the LW's rated wattage of 125 watts the input watts or the output watts?

Lionel used the same method to rate all their transformers. The 125 Watt rating was done by Lionel.

The LW transformer is also my favorite single train transformer. I just like the style.

One nice feature of the LW is the illuminated dial. In order to achieve the illumination, Lionel cast the handle in clear plastic and painted the outside with black paint.
Older reproduction handles were made this way too, or sold unpainted.
Apparently the current reproductions are cast in black plastic. So the green cap is illuminated, but the dial is unlit.

The GN Man posted:

There is no power limiting in a postwar ZW, all of its power is available at any output if the other outputs are not in use. I think the same is true of the KW. I agree, however, the LW is a great transformer, with a big red user-friendly Whistle button (great for kids). IIRC the LW was offered well into the 60’s. 

Agreed with the exception of the TW.  If I remember correctly, that one had two cores, one for the trains and one for the accessories.   Edit, I see that comment has already been made, so I will +1 on that

My favorite has always been the big 250W Z as it was capable of regulating up to 24 volts.  As was said, if you were only running the one train, you got it all for that train.  Same ultimate power as a ZW but with a little more voltage juice.  I used to have a floor layout with 072 curves and long straights when I was a kid.  That Z would make a set of 2343's really run with a long train.  I could sit and watch that  for ever

Agreed with the exception of the TW.  If I remember correctly, that one had two cores, one for the trains and one for the accessories.   Edit, I see that comment has already been made, so I will +1 on that

I have a feeling that the TW was not a big seller. I have seen very few over the years.

 IIRC the LW was offered well into the 60’s

The LW was included in at least one set in 1966.

  The LW glowing in the dark has the most awsome look. For design, that's the gem

  The vertical throttle units have a unique feel from horizontal. I find it easier to make a fine adjustment vertically. And if not bolted down, the case doesn't shift around when you move handles. Handle length helps that adjustment too. I think the ZW handle is longest.

The ZW looks always reminded me of shoeshine machines, I always wanted to see a chrome one with one red end and one black end 

A prewar transformer that is powerful Model "K" 200 watts (1915-38) with a cast iron case and a slate top, never seen one.

also Model "K" at 150 watts (1920-38) with sheet metal case and top which is one i have on shelf.

Cool to know.

DITTO! :-)

Our original 1958 N&W J Super "O"  freight set came with an LW.  I have several now and still buy one when I can find one in original condition at a train show.  Some power cords are brittle and some replaced, but I insist on original hardware.   

I have studied Technology and Aesthetics and design for the last 50 years, and this product is one of the finest examples I can think of.  The lighted dial, the raised rim around the dial, the lighted handle and green Lionel L in the center, the arrangement of the buttons, and the power connection posts are all design art. Even the electrical short indicators, blinking light and ticking sound are well designed.  Like the N&W J, it is the pinnacle of toy trains in my book.   There are some companies that just get it right, like Apple, dating back to the design of the iMac, and people respond to their designs like no other.  Lionel would do well to embrace their legacy here.  And let me put a plug in for Super "O" track too!  It too was a design marvel.

I have 2 LWs from my grandfather's collection. Great transformers. Also received a TW, RW, and 1033 from his collection. I believe the TW is effectively 2 1033s under one hood. So, at least from PW standards, the LW offered the most power for a single loop from one transformer.

Yep. A classic.

Another feature of the LW is that the lighted dial intensity varies with the output voltage to indicate voltage and maybe relative speed of the engine.

I like that feature and wire a 12 v bulb across the out put terminals of a Lionel 1033 I use for the Marx 999 train setup under the Christmas tree.

I wish the LW had an indicator pilot light that lit when there is power to the transformer.  That  may keep persons from leaving the transformer on or plugged in. 

I do have a keyed switch with pilot light on my two control panels to tell me when the layout is powered on.

Charlie