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9 replies

Lionel ZW-L or Legacy 180w Powerhouse

E ezmikeOGR Forum Member

Not sure in which forum this post fits but here goes. I'm considering remanding my PW ZW to other non-train running duties and replacing it with some current technology. My plan is to primarily run in command but on occasion take my prized Post War for a spin.

Currently I have my PW ZW connected to a TPC 400 which runs to the track through a TMCC Lock-on for it's circuit breaker protection for my command engines. Unfortunately, although I can change the TPC to conventional mode with a few key strokes, the PW engines trip the circuit breaker in the TMCC Lock-on no matter which piece I run. That required running the power out wires from the TPC to a switch that allows me to select whether I want the power to run to the TMCC Lock-on to the track or directly to the track not through the TMCC Lock-on.

I'm thinking of either the Powerhouse or the ZW-L since they both have circuit breaker protection built in thereby eliminating the TMCC Lock-on and the additional switches and wiring.

With the 180w Powerhouse I could use either the TPC400, a Legacy PowerMaster or Legacy 360 PowerMaster to switch between command and conventional. Recommended combinations with explanation appreciated.

I understand that the ZW-L can be switched from command to conventional too right on the case itself but once in conventional mode do you have to use the handles or can you still use the handheld controller?

Thanks in advance for your assistance, opinions and suggestions.

Mike

Last edited by ezmike
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G grazOGR Forum Member

I would think that the determining factor might be how many powerhouses / powermasters you'd need since 4 of each ends up being just as much as a single zw-l.

Regarding the ZW-L, I believe that it will respond to a connected Legacy remote regardless of it being set to command or conventional.

One of the pros here can verify that.

 

E ezmikeOGR Forum Member
TrainingDave posted:

I use the ZW-L. It is simple and easy. Used to have the powermaster and all that. What I like most about the ZW-L is that you can run your conventional engines with the Legacy remote or with the ZW-L handles. I enjoy both on occasion.

Thanks, that's what I wanted to know. So I can still use my remote with the ZW-L in conventional mode. 

Graz, at this time I'd only need two 180W PowerHouses and two Legacy PowerMasters unless I use the two TPC400 I already have. 

Thanks guys.

Mike

G grazOGR Forum Member

Mike,

Understood. That makes the jump to the ZW-L a little more painful$$ but it's probably still worth it as far as future proofing for any expansion down the road. 

I purchased a ZW - L a few months ago, to replace a ZW-C with 4 bricks that I sold,  but won't unbox it until we get the Christmas Layout underway.  The build quality is very robust and not flimsy at all, which was an issue with the ZW-C.

E ezmikeOGR Forum Member

Thanks guys, I guess it's a cost/benefit decision.

As it's stands now, since I have two TPC400's that give me the same options as the Legacy and Legacy 360 PowerMasters (of course without the upgrades in the Legacy models), my cost would be only the PowerHouses (if I can find them). About $200 street cost.

If I upgrade to the Legacy PowerMaster That's about another $160, or if the Legacy 360's arrive that's about $400 for two of them.

It seems that the PowerHouse/PowerMaster route is the most cost effective.

Anyone have other ideas or comments?

Mike

J DaddyJ DaddyOGR Forum Member

Upgrade to the ZWL - the benifits are amazing. Here are few:

1) More power- 720 watts!

2) Record feature built in

3) Circuit breaker protection built in.

4) 4 throttles can be controlled via the remote

5) no hot PW transformers the ZWL has a cooling fan- the ZW's  put some heat out!

6) Voltage meters

7) no rollers to repair

8) Emergency kill switch works!

9) Still has all your conventional running needs

10) Programmable throttles for your remotes to vary voltage

11) My ZWL single handly replaced 3 PW ZW, 4 TMCC breakers, 2 400 TPCs , and a TMCC ARC recorder. That is a bang for the buck!

 

 

StPaulStPaulOGR Forum Member

EZMIKE, the power houses are due out this november according to a reply from lionel this past week!

I disagree with most here you already have what you need except for 2 power houses so lets see $800 and shipping or $200 and shipping and you can run all they do!

the math is simple, also use the already in hand tpc's good luck on whatever you decide to do.

 

 

 

 

Last edited by StPaul

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