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I looked thru the last 3 Lionel catalogs (2014 to 2016) and couldn't find what I thought was the new ZW-L transformer - does Lionel still make this? I recall it was very powerful with 4 channels - but it only had two throttle levers - how does that work? What are the pros and cons of this transformer. I understand only MTH's Z4000 comes close in terms of power - how do they compare?

I find it odd the only transformer I could find in recent catalogs is a 40 Watt accessory, but maybe Lionel is no longer making the big one for some reason?

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Paul,

Marty's correct. I bought a MTH Z4000, and then, as things grew, I bit the bullet and bought the ZWL. No regrets at all. It's a work of techno-art and as reliable as a golden retriever.

As on it's granddaddy, the old ZW, the two inner handles are short and stubby. When you grasp one, the meters switch to read output on that channel, i.e., from A to B, or D to C.

 

Thanks everyone, and thanks for the link, Marty.

It looks like it has two throttle - variable control similar to old ZW and Z-4000 and then two "dial-type" controls for accessories. Does anyone know where the dials are on the unit. Very difficult to tell from photo.

If I used the ZW-L and Z-4000 on the layout (6 mainlines all connected via switch crossovers) with all tracks having a common ground would that pose any problems with the type of pure vs. chopped sine waves, i.e., a train on track 4 powered by ZW-L crossing over into track 5 powered by Z-4000?

Anyone have the dimensions including height of this puppy?

I am not a marketing or sales person - but it seems to me people would miss this item entirely because its not in the main catalog. If I ever  heard about a power catalog I forgot about it.

Last edited by Paul Kallus

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