Lionel ZW L transformer

The club I belong to has gone through a couple of ZW-L's. The one being currently used is working good so far.

I had a ZW-C, the problem I had is my Legacy engines would lose the signal and run wild. I still have a 180w brick that I use with my Track Power Controller now.

I have a ZW-L and and PW ZW and I have them in phase.  I used the plug from the ZW-L as the guide since that has one prong larger than the other for polarity, I then matched the ZW to that using the phasing techniques covered in other places on this forum. 

I love my ZW-L, tons of power, fast acting breakers and I recently added TMCC to my layout and have the handles on the ZW-L programed as tracks which is great since the ZW-L has the powermaster technology built in.  I run 4 tracks off my ZW-L with 5 trains on them, a mix of Lionel Legacy and PW / MPC engines and this transformer doesn't have any issues.  I really like the gauges built in, they are really helpful when running my PW or MPC stuff so that I know exactly what voltage to set so I can get the speed I want. 

Also, a little silly, but it just looks so amazing next to the layout! 

I grabbed one I saw at a local hobby shop last year before all the prices started to climb which I think makes this a great bargin.

I've got about 3 years and a lot of run-time on my ZW-L phased with a ZW.  The ZW-L runs the four track power districts and the ZW handles accessories and switch machines.  Zero issues, the breakers on the ZW-L have never tripped... however, track power is cut on derailments and the like 'before' the breaker trips.

Have had a ZW-L from the original run and its super solid.  I love it and, yes, it looks great next to my layout!

Just one thing to think of, do you need the post war ZW's? The ZW-L is rated at 620 watts, that might be enough to cover your needs (though you could use the PW ZW's for accessories of course). Not saying you should do that, but might be simpler wiring and a smaller footprint. Combined you zw-c (360w) and postwar ZW (380 output for the two) is 740W total, but would 620 suffice?

@Richard Gonzales posted:

My Lionel ZW C transformer bit the dust back in early December. Although the repair part is readily available, I have not found anyone willing to dig into the transformer and make the repair.

Richard,

There are many people who've posted on this forum over the years about how much they like the ZW-L, but we have no strong knowledge of how many ZW-L's have failed since it was first introduced in 2013.

You likely already know about the ZW-C's limitations because you have one, but with it we still have no idea how many of them have failed since they went into production.

Without these numbers it's a guess.  Just gut feel.

I say go with the ZW-L because it looks better.

So, ultimately the answer really lies in your first sentence.

Because what we do know quite well is that if you can't get someone to fix your broken ZW-C then you won't be able to get your new ZW-L fixed either, especially if it dies soon after the warranty expires, or even at some time after it gets older.

Mike

I have two ZW-L's, in service 7 years, no issues. The handles are set at a constant position, a Cab 2 is used to adjust track voltage for conventional operation or to set the preselected voltage for Command control operation.

As a two railer I really appreciate the foldback circuit protection. When I run an engine into an open turnout causing a short, (happens more frequently than I should admit) I have about three seconds to move the engine back a couple inches off the frog without tripping the breaker.

I really like my ZW L. It works like a champ, looks great and feels like a very high quality piece when operating manually. No regrets with this purchase.

I have no idea of the cost of a new Lionel Transformer. I have been using two ZW pw units for over 30 years. I always had trouble getting the horns, whistles and bells to work., especially on Weaver and MTH engines. It was suggested I upgrade to MTH's big transformer. I purchased it at York for $600  and have loved it since. It goes up to 24 volts and all the bells and whistles operate. Just adding my two cents here. Bill

I have had 4 ZW-Ls on my layout for approximately nine years. All of them have been used extensively during that time. I have had no problems with any of them.

Pat

We have one and it has worked great for at least 6ish years?  It is used by kids all the time and they love it.  It also has a nice solid feel, and smooth too.

I bought the first run of the ZW-L back in 2013.  It was worked flawless over the past 9 years.  I very worthwhile investment.  I have run 3 dual pulmor motor gg1s off one channel.  Its an impressive transformer.

Well, once again the OGR forum has really come through with great answers to my questions about the ZW L

There are too many replies to comment on individually. Thak you all for the great advice and clearing up all my concerns about the ZW L.

I received a note from RO yesterday to let me know my ZW L has shipped. I will post some pictures after I get in installed on the control panel.

Thanks again to all,

Richard Gonzales

Richard…sorry I haven’t answered…..I’ve been knocked over by FluB plus Covid since the weekend….
I am very pleased with mine…..I’ve had it since 2013.

It ran my 6x16 layout flawlessly. I used B&C for command only circuits (yard and subway).  I used A&D for variable output.

I think you will be very happy with it.

Peter

@Richard Gonzales, I just glanced at your thread showing interest in the Giant ZW-L Lionel transformer and decided to see what was on your mind. I’ve lifted one of these transformers and they are heavy. Seeing that you have one ordered, I recommend you get/borrow a sturdy hand truck for taking this truly nice train controller up to your really cool train room. Congratulations on getting the best and let us know your opinion on how it works for you. Happy New Year…. It’s time to plan a trip to Memphis in next few weeks. Happy Railroading Everyone

Thanks Larry,

It's good to hear from you. I got roped into local politics four years ago and did not have much time for trains. I really enjoyed being on the Lakeland board of Commissioners, but four years was enough for me and especially the wife! 

To be clear I promised myself that I would never shell out the big bucks for a ZW L.  My ZW C with its throttle / constant habit of not providing 18v and the need for adjusting the gears was something I was willing to live with. After making the latest adjustment to the gears in December a pin on the Molex connector under the A throttle broke off when I was trying to reconnect the 180v brick. The ZW C must have one brick connected to the A throttle so now it is a door stop because I cannot find anyone willing to make the repair, and I don't blame them. There is a lot of electronics in that ZW c controller, and I do not see any way to easily get to the Molex connector in order to replace it.

The ZW L from RO shipped a few days ago. I will let you know how it goes. Maybe I will hire a crane to lift it up to the second-floor train room window in order to get it on the control panel

Our next Casey Jones Chapter TCA train show will be on February 4th. Let me know If you can make it down here. Send me an email address and I will send you a flyer.

Thanks, and Happy New Year!

Richard

Pete,

I feel your Covid pain! After dodging it for so long the wife came down with it Christmas Eve and of course It hit me too. We had to cancel Christmas until last weekend. I guess those three shots worked because the symptoms were like a garden verity head cold. 

Thanks for the ZWL info.

Take care,

Richard

I don’t have one but recommended it to a friend for his massive layout.  It looks and works great, TMCC hook up was a breeze.  Circuit breaker trips with amazing speed.  He runs conventional but I have brought over my tmcc stuff to run.  Didn't know you could program a track with this piece, have to give that a try.  If i needed a transformer this would be the one.

Richard, good move. You’ll love it. All of your engines will thank you should anything derail.

I bought one at a York bandit meet a few years ago. I never got around to trying it out.Makes a great coffee table in the train room. If my 24 year old Z4000 ever dies I’ll be all set.

@Richard Gonzales, thanks for your response and I’m putting that date, February 4th on my calendar and if the weather permits, I’ll try to come to the TCA Meet in Memphis. I just need the address and time. I have family in Memphis and can see them to. I’ll be in touch. Happy Railroading Everyone

I had two Z-4000 for about ten years ... until the ZW-L was released. 

I bought one in 2014 and sold the Z-4000s.  Not a moment of regret as the ZW-L has a perfect precision and feel & great operational qualities - while looking sharp near the layout.

I'm buying a second ZW-L as soon as the next batch is released ... probably in the next couple of months.

Larry,

Our Casey Jones Chapter TCA shows are held at St. Georges Episcopal Church

2425 South Germantown Road

Germantown Tennessee 38138

Saturday February 4th 9am -2pm

Set up Friday evening February 3rd 5:30pm -8:30pm

Set up day of show 7am -9am

Tables are $10 each, $8each for 3 or more tables.

Thanks,

Richard

PS: the ZW L arrived today

Bit of trivia:  The ZW-L has a very unique feature in that it can allocate amperage to the channel that needs it the most, up to 10 amps per output channel. As long as the 620 watt max was observed, the power is channeled dynamically in real time. The genius behind the software to accomplish this amazing behavior was Lou Kovach.  

@SantaFeFan posted:

Bit of trivia:  The ZW-L has a very unique feature in that it can allocate amperage to the channel that needs it the most, up to 10 amps per output channel. As long as the 620 watt max was observed, the power is channeled dynamically in real time. The genius behind the software to accomplish this amazing behavior was Lou Kovach.  

I love my ZW-L.

Do you know what has become of Lou?  I met him a few times, once here at the Carnegie Science Center. He always seemed like he had a good handle on the model train business.

Ditto on the ZW-L.  Had it for now 4 years or so, no issues.  FYI- pretty much all my engines, pulling 15 or more cars, draw a little less than 2 amps ( 36 watts) each.  I use one output for the constant 18v used to run tracks controlled by TMCC, another at 18v to the switches.  Occasionally I run conventional engines using TMCC to manage track voltage and get walk around remote control.

I run an MTH Bump and Go trolley plus accessories and lighting using two pw ZWs through buck converters to get DC and reduce voltage where I want (the Menard's York Hotel will burn out your eyes on 4.5 v!!).

@MartyE posted:

I love my ZW-L.

Do you know what has become of Lou?  I met him a few times, once here at the Carnegie Science Center. He always seemed like he had a good handle on the model train business.

Marty, Lou is back to his ICC controls work last I knew.  I know his work has to do with custom automation systems, but I don't know much in the way of details.  I connected with Lou a year or so ago, and he was quite busy and doing well.  He did so much design work for Lionel over the years, and he used to tell me with quite a chuckle about how many times Lionel an he parted, but get back together for more projects.  I recall something like 4 times!  Amazing person, I really enjoyed working with him.  Learned a lot from him for sure.  In the early Legacy development time frame, the team used to meet at his house in MI to collaborate, and late at night we would all watch 50's era Sci-Fi movies!  You know for inspiration

Hi Richard, how are you liking your new Lionel ZWL monster transformer? Is the train meet still on for February 4th? Happy Railroading Everyone

@Richard Gonzales posted:

Larry,

Our Casey Jones Chapter TCA shows are held at St. Georges Episcopal Church

2425 South Germantown Road

Germantown Tennessee

Thanks,

Richard

Is the Germantown Commissary still there? Delicious BBQ.

It sure is,

down  the street from the church .

Richard

Richard, is the train show, the TCA Meet going to start Saturday morning at 9:00AM?
Thank you    Feb 4….

Larry,

Yes 9am this Saturday.

Richard

Richard. Sorry that I missed this post. I have a ZW-L for sale. I would have made you a good deal. I no longer need it for my layout. But I agree with all who posted about it being very dependable.  Mine ran flawless. You will be glad you purchased. 

@Bill Grafmiller posted:

I have a ZW-L for sale.

Bill,

Have you posted it in the "For Sale or Trade" thread?

Mike

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

Bill,

Have you posted it in the "For Sale or Trade" thread?

Mike

Search is your friend
https://ogrforum.com/...c/zw-l-transformer-3

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

Bill,

Have you posted it in the "For Sale or Trade" thread?

Mike

Mike . Yes I did I guess no one wanted it or did not want to make a offer.

I am not sure if all  our members know there is a forum for trade and sell. There seems to be postings on the regular forums now and then selling this or that.

Hi Richard,  We had a great time at the TCA Train Meet in Germantown Tennessee yesterday and meeting so many fine model railroaders and seeing so many nice trains for sale. I look forward to seeing the group in April. My grandsons and wife and youngest son had a lot of fun. On our drive from Clarksville, we drove through a winter wonderland as the trees were gleaming in ice…. Thank you for the invitation. Happy Railroading Everyone

Speaking of ZW's a ZW just ended  on Ebay in working condition with a new line cord went for $59.00 plus $21. ship. I just missed it.