Transformer

Wallace,

   I recommend you look for a old Lionel ZW in good shape, the cost is now where near a Z4K and it will power every thing you have.  Or you might pick up 2 KW's for even less money, and still have real good power supplies for your layout.  Ace in Pittsburgh usually has real good deals on the ZW's & KW's he rebuilds and he rebuilds them like brand new. 

PCRR/Dave

I purchased the KW & ZW at the far end of the power table from Ace, both work like brand new and have been used for many years.

Wallace - There are so many choices.  But, if you are looking at costs you can get what you need for much less then the Z4000.  MRC makes a good product but you did not id what model this was.  You can purchase multiple Lionel transformers from the Postwar period which will just keep on running....  My two pieces of advice are:

1.  You never have enough power.  Even at 70 years young - plan ahead.  My minimum power suggestion is a Lionel KW at 190 watts.

2.  If you opt to buy used make certain the product has been treated fairly or recently rebuilt.  The advantage to the older Lionel Postwar is there are numerous people who will rebuild them for a very reasonable fee. 

Wallace,

I agree with Dave. I'd like to add this. Don't bite the bullet! It would not be a wise thing to do. I would also think twice about the walk around controllers. I'm one of those people. A good price often blocks our vision. Read the reviews first, one can often be amazed.

You don't need a Z4000 for that size a layout especially if you are running conventional.  I'm not sure what's wrong with what you have.  If you are bent on upgrading, I agree a postwar ZW is the way to go.  You can get them for around $100 bucks, give or take.   If you can get to York in October there are always plenty of them for sale there already refurbished.

.....

Dennis

.....

Dennis

I have to agree that getting a Z4000 may not be your best choice.

The Z-4000 has; only two track power outputs with horn and direction, two accessory power outputs.

For the money a good rebuilt KW would give you just as good a power source with three voltage settings for accessory power and save you money. The KW has horn and direction buttons or levers.

The post war ZW is another transformer a lot of people buy. However the post war ZW has four power outputs with two direction & whistle buttons, so two power outputs have no whistle or direction control. 

The power rating on a ZW is confusing for some as Lionel rates the input power and not the output power. You may have close to 200 watts of output power as 275 watts is the input power or what it uses from the wall outlet.

Lee Fritz

I'll second the recommendation of the KW.  I have two of them, and they've served me with zero maintenance for many years.

If you run conventional only like I do, it's been my experience that you can't go wrong with a Z4000. It's a modern product with easy, fingertip controls for everything. Plenty of power and definitely worth the investment. Got mine off eBay new for $325.00.