Postwar Transformer for a Modern Layout

Modern Locomotives- MODERN POWER I don't give a Shi7 what anybody says. Magic smoke from a Legacy cab is a $300.00 repair with shipping.-Here come the miserable  DEBUNKERS!  Nick

Nothing beats a classic such as an LW, KW, or ZW with appropriate external circuit protection (the breakers and TVS diodes). This is well backed by electrical engineers and those in the know on the forum. Ignore those who have an opinion/position based on emotion, fear, or simply naive on the details of subject.

I've been running DCS and TMCC with a postwar ZW. It has appropriate circuit protection with fast blow fuses and TVS diodes. I've had no issues with this setup. 

I say stay with wind up trains and you won't have any electrical problems. Don

Lou and BMoran are right.  My preference is a PWZW.  I have three on two layouts.  The overhead runs 4 DCS engines on two 100 foot lines, with one ZW.  On the table layout, one ZW runs two conventionals, and the other runs two DCS.  Negative power issues.

Jerry

For what you are wanting to do, a LW is just going to be on the fringe. I would go with a KW, that would have enough power for your needs as listed. There is also a TW transformer that has 175 watts, but I am not a fan of the TW.

bmoran4 posted:

Nothing beats a classic such as an LW, KW, or ZW with appropriate external circuit protection (the breakers and TVS diodes). This is well backed by electrical engineers and those in the know on the forum. Ignore those who have an opinion/position based on emotion, fear, or simply naive on the details of subject.

I'll go one step further and say that the use of the bidirectional TVS diodes is protection enough if the original breakers in your classic transformers are working fine. The breakers are to protect the transformers & wiring, not the trains. 

The TVS protection is mandatory - the damage from transient voltage spikes is cumulative, and it is not limited to short-circuit situations, but is ongoing whenever the trains are rolling.