I am familiar with post war Transformers which I think some were made up untill about 1970?
What are the newer transformers? Post 1970? Is there an on-line guide?
Thanks for your response!
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You can check the Greenberg guides for transformer entries, but there was nothing exciting about this era. The basic 45/50 watt 4045/4050 was the norm for starter sets, then several similar but lower rated ones followed in red & blue plastic cases. This case continued with models with DC outputs for DC sets and AC/DC for DC sets plus accessories just like HO "power packs".
The 4090 was based on the 1044 and was offered for about 15 years until the 4690 MW came out. The RS-1 (12780) followed the MW with an improved circuit and added bell button.
The 4090 was based on the 1044 and was offered for about 15 years until the 4690 MW came out. The RS-1 (12780) followed the MW with an improved circuit and added bell button.
So, how did they run trains after 1970?
Do all trains really only need 40-50 watts of power?
The reason for my posting is I am now chasing some older KW's for my set up and was wondering what is a more modern equivalent??
Do all trains really only need 40-50 watts of power?
The reason for my posting is I am now chasing some older KW's for my set up and was wondering what is a more modern equivalent??
A starter set engine with a single motor and a couple of freight cars will run just fine on a 40-50 watt transformer. But try to run a Post War GG-1 or F-M with twin A.C.-"PullMor" motors and a few lighted cars, and you're severely under-powered.
Most trains today use LESS power than in the 1970's, because today we're running DC-Can motors and LED lighting. But today we're running more accessories, longer trains, and more powered units than any of us had back in the 1970's, so we need more power.
A KW is a good start. A ZW is even better. On my small layout, I've got a ZW, a KW and an R to handle trains and accessories. The MTH Z-4000 is also a great choice.
Jon
Most trains today use LESS power than in the 1970's, because today we're running DC-Can motors and LED lighting. But today we're running more accessories, longer trains, and more powered units than any of us had back in the 1970's, so we need more power.
A KW is a good start. A ZW is even better. On my small layout, I've got a ZW, a KW and an R to handle trains and accessories. The MTH Z-4000 is also a great choice.
Jon
Lionel offered transformers that would run basically everything they had in the line at the time. The 4090 was 90 watts(input), ~60 watts continuous output. The MW & RS-1, both rated at 50 watts, were both actually capable of about 90 watts output. Lionel cataloged a "ZW II" that was never made.
Until the mid 1980's, you could get a used ZW for $40 - $100 all day long(KW's even less) and this what most operators relied on.
Until the mid 1980's, you could get a used ZW for $40 - $100 all day long(KW's even less) and this what most operators relied on.
Thanks for your responses.
My initial post was to see if there was a modern equivalent to the KW, ZW models without going after those $400 MTH versions.
I am chasing the KW because I have one already and half the price of a ZW. I really like the older V and Z models with the twist dials but my impression is the slightly newer KW with direction controls would be a better choice?
A row of old V transformers would be a nice look! 3 or 4 KW's should look pretty good as well.
Thanks!!!
My initial post was to see if there was a modern equivalent to the KW, ZW models without going after those $400 MTH versions.
I am chasing the KW because I have one already and half the price of a ZW. I really like the older V and Z models with the twist dials but my impression is the slightly newer KW with direction controls would be a better choice?
A row of old V transformers would be a nice look! 3 or 4 KW's should look pretty good as well.
Thanks!!!
