OK, narrowed down the bench transformer to a 1033 or 1044.

@Jeff T posted:

Is one a better choice than the other??

I appreciate all the comments in the other thread!!

LW ,....I love to leave mine lit up when I’m in the RR shop working, ......so nostalgic, so cool,....so many accessory hook ups, add cool do-dads to your workbench!...love it!..,especially this time of year!...cookies, cocoa, and the warm glow of an LW, ......make ya slap happy!,

Pat

I have a couple LWs I have restored with a modern wire type diode installed and a Lionel activation switch attached to the side $65 plus shipping.

For a bench transformer, I'd be looking for one that has the whistle and bell controls, sometimes you need both.

@harmonyards posted:

LW ,....I love to leave mine lit up when I’m in the RR shop working, ......so nostalgic, so cool,....so many accessory hook ups, add cool do-dads to your workbench!...love it!..,especially this time of year!...cookies, cocoa, and the warm glow of an LW, ......make ya slap happy!,

Pat

Agree 100%! Excellent power and the coolest looking piece of PW Lionel. That glow is hard to beat.   I got mine in 1955. Loved it!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

For a bench transformer, I'd be looking for one that has the whistle and bell controls, sometimes you need both.

How many are out there with whistle and bell. I know the RS has them and I think some of the entry level sets did...

You'll have to look at more modern transformers, the PW transformers didn't have the bell button as prior to electronics, the locomotives didn't have bells.

I'm still using a old Lionel 90 watt 1044 on my work bench for my test track.