I just received the new ZW-L today. Thankfully I have had my layout prepped for its arrival so installation was very simple.
First a word on my layout:
It is a 4x8 using tubular track, capable of running two trains. I also has a 8x8 foot l-shaped extension using fastrack for a small yard and engine facility. I also use 14 operating accessories.
I may not seem large, but here is the history of the power and control systems previous to my ZW-L.
1. Modern ZW (ZWC) using four 180 watt bricks and TMCC (CAB1)- powering two cabs and the accessories
2. Modern ZW (ZWC) using two bricks for accessories, 2 TPC 400's each powered by two bricks for the track cabs. Still utilizing TMCC (CAB-1)
3. Same as 2 but added Legacy and an ARC and SC-2.
- at this point I was very happy, bu I wanted something simpler, still with the Legacy/TMCC option, but easier to just turn-on and go. The last set up required powering up each track and the accessory bus from the CAB-1 or CAB-2 remote and crawling below the layout to reset any popped breakers on the 180 watt bricks. Although my daughter (8 years old) could operate with the CAB-1 or CAB-2, it just wasn't easy for her to start the layout up for her visiting friends without my help. I wanted it to be kid friendly, but still allow me to run Legacy/TMCC.
Enter the ZW-L:
Now the entire layout is powered by the ZW-L. - that's two track buses (cabs) and an accessory bus. I am still using my Legacy/TMSS set up, but eliminated the TPCs(for now).
My assessment:
First, the ZW-L states it is only 620 watts not the previously advertised 720 as the old ZWC was potentially capable of.
Try as I could, I could not bog it down yet. I am got 16 volts on the accessory bus and ran two average trains, train 1- postwar 736, rotating search light, lighted aquarium car, and lighted caboose, and four other cars, some modern, some PW trucks. train 2- TMCC 2-8-2 running conventional, pulling four 2400 series lighted passenger cars.
Then I loaded it down, I ran two PW F-3s, both powered, with 7 2500 series lighted cars (albeit they were modern remakes of the 2500 cars) and another train with a PW FM trainmaster toting along a six car freight, with a lighted aquarium, searchlight car, lighted caboose, and a cop chasing hobo car with the vibro motor drive.
After all that, not one hiccup.
So far, plenty of power.
Now for the TMCC/Legacy test:
While I knew the ZW-L was advertised to include essentially a powermaster within it, it would be capable of the 200 speed step fine control of the TPCs instead of the lower 32 step of the powermaster or the ZWC.
In this regard, the control is very similar to the ZWC, but muck easier to program and set up, unlike the ZWC which needed a special tool to enter program mode, or removal of the cover to switch to one lever control.
The ZW-L has all features conveniently located on the case, circuit breakers, mode switches, even on on/off switch.
My only gripe is this:
I was hoping that Lionel would have incorporated the TPC 400 control system into the ZW-L in TMCC mode. The TPC-300/400s allow some control of DCS engines, and access to some features. Currently, these Aux-1/Aux-2 commands seem absent from the ZW-L, I tried them all just to see.
While the ZW-L received the power handling and control finesse of the TPC's it lacks the other features which make the TPC so nice.
The other hope was that the Conventional/Command switch would completely remove the TMCC/Legacy system (if the base unit was connected to the special base post on the back of the ZW-L). No dice. The switch simply makes the ZW-L non-responsive to the CAB-1 or CAB-2. I still had to disconnect the base wire from the Legacy base to get my TMCC and Legacy engines to operate in command mode. I may just add a switch to my control panel for this purpose to make it easy for my daughter to use the layout in conventional mode.
So, my overall assessment is that the ZW-L seems to be a very robust and capable power source. The controls also are firmer and more solid than the ZWC and the handles don't have that flimsy feel that the ZWC had. The unit is larger than a PW ZW or the ZWC, but still very convenient.
I had hoped for more in the command mode, expecting the inclusion of all the latest Legacy/TMCC bells and whistles, but it is lacking these cool features of the TPC300/400s.
I wanted the overall ease of use of my layout to improve, making it more convenient to operate in conventional mode, especially for my children. This was achieved, but I still wish the command/conventional switch actually eliminated the TMCC/Legacy altogether, why else add that additional base post on the back?
Do I like this transformer? Yes
Do I think it is worth the cost? Yes
Is it for everyone? No- each operator needs to assess their layout, and future needs, and determine which options are the best way to go. I know many a great Legacy/TMCC layout power by PW ZWs or even the Z-4000, so if you are strictly command control, this may be a waste. However, if you want convenience and tremendous power in one unit, this is, in my opinion, the best way to go.