Need some help to choose a transformer.

For your needs, Adam, I would recommend a Lionel Postwar ZW in good operating condition. I think it's possible to get one for $100. Arnold

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

For your needs, Adam, I would recommend a Lionel Postwar ZW in good operating condition. I think it's possible to get one for $100. Arnold

Arnold is correct: a quick check of that auction website shows prices for Lionel ZW's all over the map, but it looks like you could probably get one in working condition for under $ 100 including shipping.

I saw some decent prices on Lionel KW's too: that would give you two train control and 190 watts.

A Lionel 1033 is also good and cheaper than a ZW.  They are 90 watts, you could buy two for around $70.  Then you can run two loops with two trains since you have 8x8 layout.  The ZW is also a good choice, but more expensive.  

Make sure you are getting a refurbished transformer, new cord, and new wipers/brushes especially on the  ZW.  

A refurbished KW be my suggestion. 

Ron

1033 or a KW would be my choice.

Don't you want to be like Gomez in the Adam's Family and have both hands on the throttles of a ZW?

LOL.

All of the above suggestions are good ones. Arnold

LW should do the job even with postwar twin motor engines.

If cheaper is better, a 1033 or RW.  If there is a possibility of future expansion, any multi-throttle PW transformer ending with W.  A ZW is best, but good luck getting one in good condition or refurbished for under $100.  There is also shipping cost to consider.  Do you live near a dealer?  If you are in driving distance to Bethlehem, PA, I would contact Harry Lutz.  He always has a good variety and good advice.

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

For your needs, Adam, I would recommend a Lionel Postwar ZW in good operating condition. I think it's possible to get one for $100. Arnold

I agree, checked and serviced a ZW would run around $150, with rollers, power cord, whistle diode replaced. A good investment for future growth.

KW's are a good transformer too, for a few bucks less, but I never cared for them as the handled are not intuitive for me.

I like LW's for a small single train layout with a couple accessories and some lights

@Lionelski posted:

I agree, checked and serviced a ZW would run around $150, with rollers, power cord, whistle diode replaced. A good investment for future growth.

KW's are a good transformer too, for a few bucks less, but I never cared for them as the handled are not intuitive for me.

I like LW's for a small single train layout with a couple accessories and some lights

Actually the handles on the KW more replicate the throttles of a diesel and electric motor.  And the ZW's sure do not look anything like the throttle of the little "tea kettle" I once got to drive here at the NCTM.

As a kid had a ZW but always yearned for a KW because it looked more like the stand in a diesel.  Back then was into diesels!?

Ron   

Too many engines!  That's your real problem.  :-)

Mannyrock

The nice thing about a ZW is that you get the most wattage for a small footprint, 275W with 4 outputs. Covers you for 2 loops if you want to expand plus 2 for accessories. You'd probably never need another.

That said, I got started in this hobby by inheriting a 1033, 2 LWs, 2 RWs, and a TW from my grandfather's collection. Since I had that headstart, I didn't want to invest in a ZW.  Later, as I expanded, I added another 1033, another TW, and got 2 modern single throttle transformers with sets.  These covered my permanent layout AND our Christmas around the tree layout.

Despite that, I ended up buying a refurbished ZW for the Christmas layout because it takes up so little space. Cost me $200 from a LHS. I'll be selling a few of the smaller ones this fall/winter once I get the permanent layout rebuilt.

So, if expanding or footprint is an issue, see if you can find a ZW that meets your budget. If not, if you're planning on accessories plus one loop, I'd suggest the TW. It's essentially 2 1033 transformers under one shell. 

It was not that long ago, maybe 6-7 years ago,  when good PostWar lionel transformers were going for $1.00 per Watt. ZW's $275, KW's $190, etc.

I like the ZW, but I'm on a fixed income which is around $100 a month. Most people couldn't survive on that, but I get by. That stimulus check is why I have a bit of spending money. I don't see there coming a time when I'll run more than one train at a time, but it is possible. My main concern is how much power I need and what transformer is safe for the Marx engines, while still powerful enough for the Lionel 2020 turbine. I like the look of the LW more than the 1033, but I'm open to all suggestions as long as I can afford it. Thanks for the replies so far, keep them coming!

@Lehigh74 posted:

If cheaper is better, a 1033 or RW.  If there is a possibility of future expansion, any multi-throttle PW transformer ending with W.  A ZW is best, but good luck getting one in good condition or refurbished for under $100.  There is also shipping cost to consider.  Do you live near a dealer?  If you are in driving distance to Bethlehem, PA, I would contact Harry Lutz.  He always has a good variety and good advice.

Riddles like this probably don't help.  Several of the ones ending in "W" don't include multiple throttles.  LW, RW, and TW are all single throttle units.

@raising4daughters posted:

..........................................

So, if expanding or footprint is an issue, see if you can find a ZW that meets your budget. If not, if you're planning on accessories plus one loop, I'd suggest the TW. It's essentially 2 1033 transformers under one shell. 

The TW has many constant voltage taps, but only one one adjustable throttle.  The second handle is for direction and whistle activation.

This site has a good list of many (possibly all) of the Post War Lionel transformers.

https://www.tandem-associates....oneltransformers.htm

That may be a helpful reference to learn what each can do. 

Note that a few (all noted as such, I believe, "RWM" is one example) are uncommon units made for markets other than the US.  So I'd not focus on those.  But all the ones people are recommending above will have good descriptions on that site.

-Dave

@Dave45681 posted:

Riddles like this probably don't help.  Several of the ones ending in "W" don't include multiple throttles.  LW, RW, and TW are all single throttle units.  

How is that a riddle Dave?  I didn’t say everything with a W is multi-throttle.

@Adam4378 posted:

I like the ZW, but I'm on a fixed income which is around $100 a month. Most people couldn't survive on that, but I get by. That stimulus check is why I have a bit of spending money. I don't see there coming a time when I'll run more than one train at a time, but it is possible. My main concern is how much power I need and what transformer is safe for the Marx engines, while still powerful enough for the Lionel 2020 turbine. I like the look of the LW more than the 1033, but I'm open to all suggestions as long as I can afford it. Thanks for the replies so far, keep them coming!

Take a look at the Tandem site that Dave linked.  Since cost is a big factor, also check out sold prices for the 1033, RW and LW on ebay.

 

The TW has many constant voltage taps, but only one one adjustable throttle.  The second handle is for direction and whistle activation. 

Yes, that's why I thought it might be the ideal transformer for him if he (a) holds to one loop but (b) wants to run accessories. The fixed voltage taps don't pull power from the variable outputs in a TW, so the engine's performance won't suffer when accessories or tracksides are activated.

@raising4daughters posted:

Yes, that's why I thought it might be the ideal transformer for him if he (a) holds to one loop but (b) wants to run accessories. The fixed voltage taps don't pull power from the variable outputs in a TW, so the engine's performance won't suffer when accessories or tracksides are activated.

Fair enough.  Your statement that it was two 1033s under one shell made me think you were saying it had 2 adjustable outputs.

-Dave

@Dave45681 posted:

Riddles like this probably don't help.  Several of the ones ending in "W" don't include multiple throttles.  LW, RW, and TW are all single throttle units.

 

 

Yes, The "W" simply meant that the transformer had a whistle/horn control. Nothing to do with the number of throttles

@Lionelski posted:

Yes, The "W" simply meant that the transformer had a whistle/horn control. Nothing to do with the number of throttles

Correct.  That’s why I said if there might be future expansion, he should get a W with multi-throttle (as opposed to a W with single throttle).

LW or KW.  Watts

. The KWs full power is available on one throttle. It is quite a bit larger and heavier than an LW. Two motors, no problems.

I'm not a fan of TW/SWs. Funkier inside and out. I would use my weaker 1033 as a kid rather than use those too. (I had both, just didn't like them)  

The LW has the coolest dial. With a bulb gel you have a colored glow with intensity to match voltage setting. 125w will at least move twin motors.

Both were made in large numbers and have repop parts pretty readily avail.

A 1033 90w is a bit better than the Marx. Cooler and stronger , but you may.still spend a lot of time at full throttle with some engines and/or stub axle cars and flat wheel treads vs fast angle. For that you want the 125w at least imo.

The Marx will do just fine on a lionel transformer. 

(just don't forget about fat wheels needing Marx metal turnouts.. Lionel does ok on those with some track pins to close a couple of gaps a hair.)

So much great advice above ... good luck with your decision.

Just be sure that if you buy any one of the above-mentioned PostWar transformers, get one that has been professionally re-furbished.

You guys have given me some choices to think about while I'm cleaning out my living room and getting my table set up.

Ok everyone, I've got a question that has me on the fence about what transformer to choose.

I'm pretty well set on getting an LW for the power and the look of it.

However, the KW is still on my mind. My question is, on the KW, if only running a single train, will that train get full power or is it divided?

While I'm asking, is the answer the same for the ZW?

I've seen some people say neither transformer sends full power to a single train, others say they do.

I've decided to only run my Marx engines with a Marx transformer, and I won't be using any powered accessories, other than the possibility of some lighted buildings that will run from a dedicated power supply. So none of that is a factor now. It's all about getting the most power to the train as possible (without damaging anything).

The ZW will provide full power to a single train. It has a single output winding with 4 taps. Given the stock circuit breaker is 15 amps it will actually provide more power to that train than a modern ZW-L which is limited by UL decree to a measly 10 amps.

Pete

Without more info on the KW, it looks like I'll be sticking with the LW. I don't understand why there's not more online about running single trains on multi train transformers. I've found what I consider to be good deals on working KWs and ZWs, but I know they will probably need diodes and rollers and cords. Still, the price is very close to a rebuilt LW. I'm also having trouble finding places that sell rebuilt transformers, any suggestions?

All of the common classic multi-train transformers are able dissipate all their power on one channel. If power is drawn from multiple channels, then normal rules of electricity apply and shared accordingly. As long as you don't get close to maximum current rating, sharing is fine as well.

@Adam4378 posted:

I'm also having trouble finding places that sell rebuilt transformers, any suggestions?

Harry Lutz (harryflutz@aol.com) in Bethlehem, PA sells reconditioned Lionel transformers.   And he can probably recommend the best transformer for your needs and cost range.  I've bought a number of PW transformers from him and have no complaints.

I've sent a email to Harry Lutz.  Thanks for the info!

  I bought a reconditioned, and warrantied KW from a guy who goes by Tranz4mr’s.com for $80.  It’s indistinguishable from new.
   A quick peek of his site shows many Z/K/L/R w’s & others for sale at well below market, for what an unknown condition eBay purchase might be.   
Great guy that stands behind his rebuilds.  

Tom

It looks like I'm going to go with a rebuilt ZW, since getting a reply from Harry.  Everyone here has been a great help. I appreciate all the input. 

Say Adam, I personally run a KW transformer......it has a ton of power.....190watts.....whistle lever.......I’m very satisfied with it......you can pick these up at a very reasonable price on ebay......ZW would be my second choice.....they are more expensive ......I’m pretty much of a cheap skate so the KW was right up my ally..also can run accessories off of it...great transformer..👍👍