New to the Forum - Powering a Layout

Steve, I'm not familiar with Marx, but assuming their accessories are powered like Lionel, you can't go wrong with a ZW in good condition, which is economical and provides plenty of power. Arnold

Our modular club has a 6x11 layout. To power it, we have a reconditioned Lionel KW transformer. For post war conventional engines it is more than adequate. One feeder is not. I would strongly suggest a minimum of two feeders for your layout. Four can't hurt. We also use a Lionel LW that would be a decent choice for powering accessories.

If you start running modern engines you want a transformer with circuit breakers. A couple of MTH Z1000s would probably be a good choice. At the risk of being branded a heretic, a Lionel ZW-L or MTH Z4000 would be massive overkill.

I guess it depends on the track you are using and how many trains you are running...I have a 9X16 layout, I run 3 trains and a trolley with 2 Lionel ZW Transformers. My main lines are O Gauge Lionel track with O22 switches. The trolley tracks are O27. The switches are wired to provide 18  constant Volts. I changed all the bulbs in the switches and controllers to 24 Volts to cut down the amps, you can also use LED bulbs but they are about $2 each, to the transformer. Each train you run uses about 35 amps and 18 volt bulbs use about 3 amps, with 16 switches and 8 operating accessories it puts a lot of strain on my transformers. for all my other lights and accessories I use separate transformers.

I use electronic spray cleaners, Lubriplate, white lubricant and graphite to clean and lubricate my trains, toothpicks and cotton swabs are good tools for cleaning. Since your trains have been stored for so long I would clean them before you run them to prevent them from over heating or other damage. I clean my wheels with a Dremel tool and a soft wire brush. There are track cleaners available that can also be used

In this Hobby there is no best way....it's what ever works for you!

Good Luck... Have Fun

Gene

I hear a lot about”ZW in good condition”. How does someone know it’s in “good condition”? Anyone unfamiliar with them (me included) is buying one on a guess. 

gene maag posted:

I guess it depends on the track you are using and how many trains you are running...I have a 9X16 layout, I run 3 trains and a trolley with 2 Lionel ZW Transformers. My main lines are O Gauge Lionel track with O22 switches. The trolley tracks are O27. The switches are wired to provide 18  constant Volts. I changed all the bulbs in the switches and controllers to 24 Volts to cut down the amps, you can also use LED bulbs but they are about $2 each, to the transformer. Each train you run uses about 35 amps and 18 volt bulbs use about 3 amps, with 16 switches and 8 operating accessories it puts a lot of strain on my transformers. for all my other lights and accessories I use separate transformers.

I use electronic spray cleaners, Lubriplate, white lubricant and graphite to clean and lubricate my trains, toothpicks and cotton swabs are good tools for cleaning. Since your trains have been stored for so long I would clean them before you run them to prevent them from over heating or other damage. I clean my wheels with a Dremel tool and a soft wire brush. There are track cleaners available that can also be used

In this Hobby there is no best way....it's what ever works for you!

Good Luck... Have Fun

Gene

Good response and neat layout, Gene

Marty R posted:

I hear a lot about”ZW in good condition”. How does someone know it’s in “good condition”? Anyone unfamiliar with them (me included) is buying one on a guess. 

Simply ask the seller.  They will usually tell you if they have been reconditioned with new rollers and any other things the unit may have needed on a rebuild.

On the other hand, if the electrical cord looks cracked, chapped, old, or worn, and the owner says it works good but can't tell you if it's been serviced or not or what kind of condition the inside is in, then maybe steer clear of it.  Chances are good that if it doesn't immediately need re-conditioned when you bring it home, it probably ain't too far away from needing it.