Any updates on when these are supposed to arrive? I ordered from LionelStore.com, and it had an estimated date of 12/12/2022, but it still doesn't seem to have shipped. Thanks!
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It appears that Lionel has not updated their shipping schedule in quite some time. They used to update it more often.
It says October 2022. I suppose not
Off topic but would the ZW-L be better than the 180 bricks?
@art_legend posted:Any updates on when these are supposed to arrive? I ordered from LionelStore.com, and it had an estimated date of 12/12/2022, but it still doesn't seem to have shipped. Thanks!
Looks like the wait will be several more months. TrainWorld shows it as a March 2023 arrival. Their estimates are usually pretty close to the mark.
@Robert Cushman posted:Off topic but would the ZW-L be better than the 180 bricks?
Depends on how you are using it. A lot of folks running just command control prefer the bricks.
@Robert Cushman posted:Off topic but would the ZW-L be better than the 180 bricks?
As Marty said it depends how you’re using it what your wants and needs for power actually are. There is definitely some convenience built into the ZW-L, if your question was more electrical I still don’t see one as better than another both will kill power very quickly in the event of a short or over current situation
A major factor is the big difference in cost. The ZW-L is cool looking, but they're $900.00. The 180 bricks are $180.00 each. Obviously a much more economical alternative.
The ZW-L has 620 watts, overkill for most layouts. There's lots of flexibility with the bricks - more bricks can be added when and if necessary. Cost per watt for the bricks: $1.00/watt. Cost per watt with the ZW-L: over $1.45/watt. Almost 50% more per watt with the ZW-L.
You're not comparing apples to apples. The output of the bricks is not adjustable as-is, the outputs of the ZW-L definitely are, either using the throttle levers, or via remote control from a handheld Cab-2, etc.
Mike
A rough estimate is one brick for each loop on most moderately sized layouts insulated from each other. Your results may vary...
@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:You're not comparing apples to apples. The output of the bricks is not adjustable as-is, the outputs of the ZW-L definitely are, either using the throttle levers, or via remote control from a handheld Cab-2, etc.
Mike
Adjustable output isn't necessary if running TMCC or Legacy engines, which use fixed voltage. The adjustable output is only needed if a person is running conventional engines, and for accessories. And if someone is running conventional engines, the Lionel PowerMaster ($90) can be used with the bricks to vary output for conventional operation, a much cheaper alternative to a ZW-L. For accessories, small individual transformers (which have adjustable output, of course - can find them for $15-$20 at train shows) can be used, or the PowerMaster. No need to spend $900.00 on a huge transformer for adjustable output just to run a few accessories!
