So with a few ZW-L reviews trickling in how many more are inclined to buy one??

I'm pretty happy with a bunch of 180W bricks as I'm just command here.  I have the DCS system so if I want conventional for testing, etc., I can run it on a variable channel.

 

I did just pickup the MRC Pure Power 270 because it was such a good deal, so I think I'm set with reasonably modern transformers.

I already have several Z4000's. The ZW-L is very impressive though. 

Hello guys and gals........

 

We just picked up the Z4000 along with the Sunset 3rd locomotive from Mr. Scott Mann's Sunset 3rd office in San Ramon last month.  The Z4000 is plenty big enough for 2 train operation so won't be needing the ZW-L any time soon.  Mr.Mann gave us a discount on the Z4000 so we probably will not buy another transformer.

 

the woman who loves the S.F. 5011

Tiffany

My only transformer is a PW ZW, so it looks like it may be in the future for me.

I have the ZW-C with 4 135w bricks. It pretty much has all of the operational features that the new ZW-l does.

It would be nice to get rid of all of the power cords and bricks and just go to one plug. However, I don't think that my cantilivered control panel could hold it!

If I had anything less than the ZW-C, I'd be all over it. For Legacy/TMCC and conventional running, it's tough to beat.

I'm more happy I preordered one.

 

Just waiting now.

With having 2 ZW-C I'm done. I do feel the same way as graz about cords and bricks.

What makes you think that you will not need Transient Voltage Suppressors to protect the circuit boards in your engines and any operating accessories. Just because a company designs a new transformer does not mean they can eliminate voltage spikes in the event of a derailment.

 

QSI did an extensive study on the voltage spike issue with a number of different transformers and the results were published by Jim Barrett in O Gauge Railroading February 1999.

Does it have volt/amp meters for all 4 "throttles" or just the outer two?

Can you blow the whistle and horn for the inner throttles?

If not, probably no purchase. Have a lot of conventional operating friends.

Not inclined because my layout is now small.

I operate TMCC and at times Conventional from Cab 1 remote. Rails powered by two 180 PoHos linked to TPCs, several wall warts [12 VDC for Tortoise Motors] and small VAC Accessory transformers for lights,etc.

 

Back in the day with my large, now dismantled, layout I would have checked it out. It is impressive.

Trainman - That's why I ask the questions. I don't know all the answers myself. Feb 99, I may have missed that issue! 

Many of these questions are answered by just looking at the ZW-L Transformer Owner's Manual.  If you're really considering purchase, it would be a good idea to give it a read.

 

For instance, there is no B or C whistle or bell switch. Directly from the manual.

We recommend using Outputs A-U and D-U for your track connections because they have throttle, direction, bell, and whistle controls. Outputs B-U and C-U have only voltage control in Conventional mode.

 

On the question of the meters, you can touch the control on the side the meters are on and read those values.  So yes, even though they're shared, you can read the voltage and current for each output.  Again from the manual.

 

METERS
The ZW-L Transformer features two voltage meters. See Figure 2. The right-hand meter reads the voltage on Outputs A-U and B-U (default reading is Output A-U); the left-hand meter reads the voltage on Outputs C-U and D-U (default reading is Output D-U).

To read the voltage on Output B-U or C-U, touch the corresponding lever with your fingers or address these outputs with your CAB Remote Controller and adjust the voltage. The back-lighting will be brighter as the meter displays the voltage on the B-U and C-U outputs, as long as your fingers are in contact with the levers or the voltage is adjusted using the Remote Controller.

Likewise, the ZW-L Transformer features two amperage meters. The right-hand meter reads the amperage on Outputs A-U and B-U (default reading is Output A-U); the left-hand meter reads the amperage on Outputs C-U and D-U (default reading is Output D-U).

To read the amperage on Output B-U or C-U, touch the corresponding lever with your fingers or address these outputs with your CAB Remote Controller and adjust the voltage. The back-lighting will be brighter as the meter displays the amperage on Outputs B-U and C-U, as long as your fingers are in contact with the levers or the voltage is adjusted using the Remote Controller.

Its on my hit list to get one.  I run legacy but still have some conventional engines that I like to run on occasion.  Just to clarify, the dealers have them for $700 not $800.

Not to get off subject but we bought  a couple  off  Brady's  Trains  and is far below these astronomical prices being tossed around here. He is in Greensburgh,Pa. He has a few more comin in this week.

I have the ZW-C with 4 135w bricks. It pretty much has all need

I really love the looks of the unit but since I already do the same with my ZW-C running 2 180w and 2 135w bricks I am good. If I did not have that then I would likely jump right in.

The new ZW-L sounds impressive but I already have 4 Z4000s plus a whole host of various electronics including 3 TPC400s, TMCC....etc....Also bought Legacy and am slowly integrating it into my brain!!

 

Alan

I gave a ZW with 4 180watt bricks.  bought it about 5 years ago when i got back into the hobby.  gonna stick with that, at least for now. 

So matter what is true or what anyone believes the Z4000, New ZWS, and the ZWL have made the PW ZWs way more affordable!

 

Scott R. Conforto

There is some truth to that. I have a new ZW-C with 4 bricks and although the new ZW is a very nice product it's not something I think I'll need in the foreseeable future. Now if a used one bumps into me for lets say 350.00 I guess it wouldn't take much to jump on it.

Ron

I have adequate Z-4000's so I won't be ordering one anytime soon.

I would wait a while and make sure the first batch don't have any problems.

 

On the other hand, $700-800 is about what you would expect to pay for a high end steam locomotive, and the chances are you will run the ZW-L a lot longer than the locomotive. So in the overall scheme of things the price is probably not all that bad.

 

Rod

I have two MTH Z4000s and two Lionel 180 bricks. The layout runs fine as it is, thus I see no need to purchase additional power supplies.

I will be getting a ZW-L to go along with my two Z4000's.

 

Does any one know its footprint and height dimensions (required clearance)? How about its weight? 

 

I have searched and looked in the manual, but cannot find this information.

 

Thx!

 

Alex

After reading all the info on the new ZW-L - I pulled the trigger and got mine for $620 (shipping included!)  on ebay.

 

Should be here in a few days - will post my observations after I get to use if for a while.

I have the ZW-C with 2 135 watt bricks, a cab1 and command base. for my small layout it is all I need. Don

DON,

It is all you need unless You  loose the Circuit Board in the ZW-C, then you are out of LUCK. I have the ZW-C with two 180 Watt Bricks as well. Lets keep our fingers crossed!!!

 

FREDSTRAINS

Fred I'm pretty sure Dale Manquen repairs the ZW-C motherboards.

Ron

I am completely happy with my Two Z 4000`s. I can buy two more for the price of a ZW-L

I recently bought a ZW-C nib with two135watt bricks. A little under 2 bills.

Hit send by accident. Added two more bricks. Plus two 180 watt bricks with Powermasters. Added 6 analog volt and amp meters. More than I need for awhile. Plus some CW-80s and 40s for misc aux power. Fred