MTH Z4000

Note that while I think the Z4000 is a really nice transformer, they have formally announced that it was going to be discontinued, pretty sure that means no parts, even if parts for other products continue to be produced.  Being an electronic transformer with a pretty high parts count, I'd be somewhat circumspect about buying one unless it's a real bargain.

Gunrunner good point you bought up. I have read the mofets go bad quite often, and a power control board can act up. I can get for $350 he wanted $425. Still undecided may take the plunge. I have repaired PC high end power supplies and other electronic  to component level for some time, if I happen to have troubles with it in the future may or may not be able to cross reference part numbers on components, internally. Still on the fence about purchase.

                  Nothing better out there. 15 Years of great operation so far.

                                           No need to overthink about spare parts.

I have had two Z4000s powering my larger layout for more than twenty years with never any problem whatsoever. I also used one of those throttles (and some long wires) to run my smaller layout. With the MTH closure announcement, I recently purchased a third Z4000 as a backup and to run the smaller layout. The lack of problems with the older transformers may be attributable to operating at low current levels - never more than 2.5 amps per throttle and never having tripped the circuit breaker on either transformer. My (mostly) MTH trains operate well on the Z4000 pure sine wave voltage output. Same goes for Lionel...

MELGAR

I bought a Z4000 when they first came out. I have not had any problems with it. I also have 2 post war ZWs. What amazes me is that after roughly 60+ years, the ZW’s still perform very well. Could be the best product Lionel ever made. 

@SIRT posted:

 No need to overthink about spare parts.

Maybe, maybe not.

Hmmm. 

While I like my Z4000 (I have three and my son has one) and never had a problem with them (4 years old); I would hesitate on buying one for $350.

I purchased mine in slightly used condition at about $200 to $250.

I guess I would pass on this and look for a slightly used unit.  But that's just what I would do.

By the way, I purchased these because the old ZW that I have could not electronically handle both a whistle and bell. Also the Z4000 plays well with Proto-Sound 1 engines.  At least that has been my experience. 

Best,

I bought mine when I went to MTH tech training, for $269 it was a deal hard to pass up.  I wouldn't pay $350 or more for one now as I still do think about possible repairs.

Most problems encountered in 3R stem from carelessness, uninformed individuals, tinkerers and operator abuse. In that case, I guess you will always need some spare parts. 

I've had stuff some in that just failed with no abuse by anyone, it happens.  It's electronic and operating in a pretty hostile electrical environment, stuff happens.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Note that while I think the Z4000 is a really nice transformer, they have formally announced that it was going to be discontinued, pretty sure that means no parts, even if parts for other products continue to be produced.  Being an electronic transformer with a pretty high parts count, I'd be somewhat circumspect about buying one unless it's a real bargain.

John, I totally respect your advice and opinions about all things concerning O Gauge trains including transformers, but my thinking about the Z4000 was the opposite of yours. 

Based on having a great experience with my 1st Z4000 (now on the shelf) that I bought about 25 years ago (only problem was the fan stopped working recently and needs to be replaced), and being concerned about the availability of them and their parts in the future, I bought 2 new Z4000s from my LHS.

I figure that the 2 new Z4000s, plus the original one (I plan to have the fan replaced soon) that will serve as a back up, will permanently satisfy my present and future transformer needs.

Arnold

Well, I don't think if you have one you should suddenly panic and have a fire sale.  I'm just pointing out that for a new purchase, I'd be a bit more cautious.  I know that a vast majority of them won't fail, but some will.  Wouldn't it suck to pay $350 for a boat anchor?

@SIRT posted:

Most problems encountered in 3R stem from carelessness, uninformed individuals, tinkerers and operator abuse. In that case, I guess you will always need some spare parts. 

Glad that's been your experience.  

I guess the stripped worm gear, warped frame, broken pantograph, frozen pickup roller assembly (all on different new locos) and failed circuit in a transformer were all my fault.

I bought one when it came out, with the hand held controller.  Never a problem with any of it.  I use it with an MRC Pure Power Dual, also trouble free. 

Like Gunrunnerjohn,  I'd think twice before spending $350.00 on a used Z4K as well. It may be "new in the box," but unless you are buying it bdand-new from an authorized MTH dealer, there's a very good chance it won't have any warranty coverage. That said, while it may not have been used, what happens if it's defective the first time you power it up? When you buy something that is brand new, part of what you are paying for is the peace of mind of a factory warranty for a period of time. If there's no warranty, about the most I would be willing to give for it is half of MSRP, and that's being generous. 

I got a very good one. Said its new, but it was used. Was missing manual but got it off line.  I have been using the transformer for the past 2 weeks not a hick up so far. Final price $325. Before I purchased it I plugged it in and checked outputs with my DVM. I am very happy with the purchase. Seems like some sellers of train items have very good fair prices for there items. Others want a mint. Thanks again, sometimes you gotta take a chance.

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

John, I totally respect your advice and opinions about all things concerning O Gauge trains including transformers, but my thinking about the Z4000 was the opposite of yours. 

Based on having a great experience with my 1st Z4000 (now on the shelf) that I bought about 25 years ago (only problem was the fan stopped working recently and needs to be replaced), and being concerned about the availability of them and their parts in the future, I bought 2 new Z4000s from my LHS.

I figure that the 2 new Z4000s, plus the original one (I plan to have the fan replaced soon) that will serve as a back up, will permanently satisfy my present and future transformer needs.

Arnold

I've been meaning to look into a replacement fan as well. You have a source yet (understanding it doesn't have to come from MTH) ?

---PCJ

It's a bog standard 12V fan, just find a computer fan the same size, it'll bolt right in.  I recommend a ball bearing fan to give you longer service life.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

It's a bog standard 12V fan, just find a computer fan the same size, it'll bolt right in.  I recommend a ball bearing fan to give you longer service life.

I haven't been inside my Z4000 so I don't yet know what size it is. I do know to look for a ball-bearing version when I go looking for one, though--that much I remember from the other thread.

Any idea what the proper size is (just in case I drop by my local MicroCenter in the near future) and how much work is involved in getting inside the unit to swap fans?

---PCJ

I don't remember the size, I remember looking at it and figuring it would be easy to find one.  It's not that hard to open the case up, my recollection is a few screws.  It's been several years, but I didn't run across any issues.