Transformer for newbie

The KW would be my choice-- if you have it or can get one at a reasonable price. The Z1000 is good, but you would need a second one when you expand. The KW has 2 variable outputs, so you can run 2 trains at the same time.

Use the "search" feature to get lots of info on transformers. I'll also second the Z-1000. Dave G.

The KW is a fine choice, with one minor issue.  Modern transformers also have a Bell button, the KW only has the whistle control.

Trost,

   My advise is to at the least, go with the KW or the Z1000, even better pick up an old ZW, you are going to want to expand.   My advise is to always over power your layout, you can't go wrong engineering in this manner.  GunRunnerJohn is right on the money about  the KW only having the Whistle function, however KW is a proven power supply that will last many life times, I still have one that runs part of our layouts even with 2 ZW's and a Z4K.  My advise is not to waste your time and money on a CW 80.

PCRR/Dave

Wow Dave! looks like your getting ready to launch the next space shuttle. hee

hello guys and gals........

My goodness !!!! look at the size of the Z4000 next to the postwar ZW as that photo did open my eyes .

the woman who loves the S.F.#5011

Tiffany

Well, Tiffany, that's the difference between a true 180W per output versus  180W  split across 4 outputs. Plus there's a circuit board and a fan in there too---- I love myZ4000. I use the ZW for all the accessories/lighting and switch power.

For the Docksider, and other small engines with little or no electronics, the CW-80 is the hands down winner(in MY opinion). In my experience the MTH Z-500, 750 and 1000 (I haven't used a Z-4000) as well as many post war lionel transformers, simply have too high of a minimum voltage for starting many locomotives smoothly.

 Locomotives such as the docksider, K-Line Porters and Plymouths, and many MPC era locomotives, will start at a much lower voltage than many of those transformers are capable of putting out. There are some (Iforget the model#s) post war Lionel transformers that are dual voltage range (0-11 volts and 6-18 volts IIRC) The CW-80 has a near zero minimum voltage, and aside from some produced before about 2006 is a very Good and reliable transformer. The CW-80 also offers a Variable Voltage accessory output, the Z-500 and 750 have NO accessory outputs, and the Z-1000 only has a Fixed Voltage (14 volts I believe) output.

 I have heard and read many stories of locomotives like the docksider being critisized for not running slow or starting smoothly, when the REAL culprit was the transformer, NOT the locomotive.

 The CW-80 is an EXCELLENT transformer for running small engines like your docksider, and I have had no problems running dual motored Lionmaster articulateds such the Challengers, Big Boy and Cab-Forward, with Long Trains (50 + cars) .

Doug

Larry Sr,

   Yea I know what you mean, but with all the old 072 Lionel switches on 5 different levels I used most of the power available even with all the different transformers.

Doug,

   Maybe I have different engines than you do but my P2 stuff runs just fine at very low speeds, and my old Conventional Lionel 263E needs the power also.

I must have given away 10 different CW-80's over the years, if I ever get another one, in the FasTrack sets I pick up at the train shows, I will send it your way.

PCRR/Dave

   Maybe I have different engines than you do but my P2 stuff runs just fine at very low speeds,

PCRR/Dave, if you mean Proto-Sound 2, those have very complex electronics packages in them, including speed/cruise control, I am talking about things like the OP's docksider and other locomotives such as Lionel's infamous 4-4-2 from starter sets. Those engines are basically an E-unit, motor, headlight and maybe a smoke unit if a steamer. Not much there to eat the first couple of volts.

Doug

Trost6--------, if your still looking for a transformer email me.I have 2 CW80's and a few older Lionel post war transformers I would sell ya at a very reasonable price, just to get ya going.I my self upgraded to the MTH Z4000.It was my Christmas present to my self.----What a transformer.

Some PS/2 engines don't run really smooth until they get to around 3 MPH.  Most of mine have to be doing 2 MPH to run smoothly, I can only think of one or two that will run smoothly at 1 MPH.  The slow speed champ in my stable is the Lionel genset, that one will crawl at an amazingly slow speed as steady as a rock.  It'll drag 20 cars along at the same speed as well.  In general, I have to give the edge to Legacy for slow speed operation over PS/2.

If anyone has any CW-80s to give away, contact me (email in profile), and I will pay for shipping. 

Thanks--Charlie N

Gee, I'll even throw in a $5 profit if you want to give me a transformer!