Transformer question

I'd be thinking of something slightly larger, especially if there will be any accessories.  What kind of switches are you using?  If this is tubular track, the bulbs in the switches consume about 3-4 watts for each switch and remote, that adds up to half the capacity of the transformer.

 

Thanks John. I'm using FasTrack. I believe they use LEDs so the power draw should be small. A new ZW is about $675 and is probably far more power than I need. Lionel makes a 180 Watt transformer. I wonder if that would be adequate.

John,

I'm not hy-jacking by any means. It's a shame that no one makes a modern day KW or Lionel V. I'll go back to sleep.

 

God Bless,

"Pappy"

The GW-180 should certainly be sufficient.  As you say, the Fastrack switches are pretty low power, even the switching is just a very small DC motor.

 

I'd start out with the CW-80, if you have issues, you can always move up.

 

Another option would be a nice PW transformer, the ZW or KW are logical choices.  I'd add an external modern circuit breaker to either of those, but other than that, they'd work fine.

 

will there only be one "main line" of track or two? If there are two main lines then you should invest in another transformer to run the trains at seperate speeds. If its just one main line then I would suggest replacing the current transformer with the CW 180. As John suggested, if you add accessories you will be having a major power draw on that small transformer. I myself am in the same boat at the moment.

I think one cw80 will be enough for two small LionChief trains on a small layout.
Just be sure to have track power feeders at every corner to prevent slow-downs.

My layout 8x18 and my one CW80 works just fine.

I'll second stepping up to the new GW-180 transformer. It gives you "room' for further growth + you say you may run a passenger train along with your freight. Passenger cars eat a lot of watts (unless your lucky to have LEDs installed...). The GW has enough "spare" power + the advantage of a modern , fast-acting circuit breaker the older PW transformers do not.

If you really are running only LionChief, no conventional, you don't need the whole GW-180, just the 180 watt 22983 PowerHouse.

Thanks for all the help. I plan to run LionChief Plus locos for 2 reasons. First, they are traditional size which works best on my small layout IMHO; and second, since each loco comes with it's own remote I don't have to invest in a Legacy, DCS or other expensive system. My track plan is attached. The right side is against a wall. The main layout is 6x9 with a 30"x30" section at the upper right.

 

I am leaning toward the GW180 transformer and using the CW180 for lighting buildings and accessories. It also give me the option of running the one conventional loco I have.

 

All responses have been very helpful. Thanks.

Lionel has done a good job of keeping the spirit of the postwar ZW alive with its modern versions. It should do the same with several smaller postwar transformers. Modern electronics in a retro package. The current offerings suggest a postwar look but I'd expect closer copies would be popular and sell well, as the tinplate and PWC series cars and engines have.