PW ZW as "brick"?

Dale,

   Now that is actually a great idea if you are running a mid to larger layout, nice option for sure!

PCRR/Dave

Just curious what size circuit breaker would you use? it sounds like a great Idea by passing the rollers.    We have 8 PWZWs and occasionally a problem will arise  with one of the handles losing good contact, Fortunately there are 4 handles. 

Dale, even with this, you don't have really good circuit protection.  Now, if you could squeeze the PH180 protection circuit in there...

Since I typically run dual motor PW F3's with 8-10 PW cars (no fast angle wheels or needle-point bearings) up a steep grade, I use W51-series rocker breakers rated at 10 amps on the track feeds.  (I use similar 5 amp breakers on my accessory feeds.)  Other in-between current values are available, but not commonly stocked.

I guess you're not going to hurt those with simple breakers.

Voltage will be kinda high.  Why not just use an existing terminal, set the handle to a reasonable voltage, and don't touch it?  That's what I do:  I don't touch the handles unless for some reason I want to cut off power to a TIU channel.

RJR posted:

Voltage will be kinda high.  

I'm curious about this as well.  I know Lionel tends to recommend not to use voltages over 18VAC these days, and the ZW will put out something over 20VAC. 

JGL

JGL, when I use the ZW, I set the voltage to about 18 and scroll the DCS remote all the way up.  I happened to have a powerhouse 180 left over from a layout-building project, and replaced a ZW with it, feeding 2 TIU channels that rarely run more than one train at a time.  It's a better power source for me:  I've never seen a breaker work so fast.  I do wish it had a light when the breaker pops.

Years ago I altered a Lionel loco so that the e-unit would only work if the track got 20 volts, and to get that I tapped the other end of the secondary and fed it into a SPDT PB switch.  (Loco didn't jump because the relay that activated the e-unit also broke the motor circuit.)  Holding the button down 2 seconds would activate the coil couplers.  Ran fine for years, until DCS came along and I converted it.

Do you want Conventional Control or TMCC control?  Either way your only getting the max output of the transformer, so seems like an unnecessary step with no method of shutting off voltage without unplugging the transformer.   G

Don't forget the rocker circuit breaker that gives me convenient On/Off on the secondary output.

Up to you.  I think the output is 180 to 200W, so if you wire directly as a brick, why invest in replacing/repairing roller and such when they won't be used.  G