Lionel ZW to power MTH TIU

Please clarify whether you are referring to a postwar ZW or a recent product.  Also, do you mean connecting the ZW to the AUX port, or to one or more of the 4 inputs.  Using a PW ZW, and powering the AUX port from another source, moving the ZW handle has no potential to hurt the TIU

You can.  I used a postwar ZW for years until I expanded and it wasn’t enough.  Add fuses between the ZW and TIU, the ZW breaker is way too slow.

For years I had a PW ZW connected to the TIU without problems.  But, I had TMCC locons between the ZW and the TIU for each channel connected.  Worked great  I would not think about connecting a PW ZW to a TIU without adding serious protection. 

Absolutely.  I run a double-tracked 100 foot overhead layout with one ZW and one TIU.  Four engines, about 100 cars, on the two tracks.  My ZW is over 60 years old.  Never a problem.

I use one handle for each mainline, one aux slider for the one long siding track, the other slider for powering the five switches and lights.  It's important to install breakers or fuses with your mainline wiring leading from the ZW to the TIU.  You don't want to blow that up, or any of your engine electronics.  Finally, I power my TIU through the AUX power plug, with a simple power transformer that I set at 18V.  Most of the guys agree that this is the way to go, and it's served me well.

Jerry

I use 2 PW ZWs to power my layout through a TIU.  As other have said, you need to have added circuit protection for the TIU and modern locos.  I use a “belts and suspenders” approach to that with 10 amp mini fuses as well as magnetic-hydraulic breakers.  You also need TVS diodes.

No problem with varying the voltage with the ZW handles unless, like me, you power the TIU using the fixed 1 port.  If I forget and lower that channel to zero, the TIU turns off.

My postwar Zs and ZWs that stay set at 18V and feed through the TIUs occasionally need "recalibrating".  When the TIU output voltage starts falling due to the carbon roller staying in place for a long time I just mover the transformers controls back and forth and double check the output voltage.

The Post War Lionel ZW will power anything, just add fast blow inline fuses and your good to go.

I have 6 of them powering my layout.