Hello,
This is my first post on the forum, but have been a follower for years. My question is about the size of Lionel transformers. With the Z and ZW being 250-275 Watts and the ability to run four trains at once, would you actually get more power if you were to use four separate LW’s(One for each train)?
If so, is there a reason I am not aware of with why the Z & ZW are so popular?
Thanks
Nick
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The ZW is more compact physically than 4 LWs. I am not sure of original pricing but I suspect one ZW would be more cost effective than 4 LWs. A ZW acutually has only two outputs with whistle control. This is not a problem when the other two outputs are used for accessories. Depending on how they are used multiple transformer may need to be phased properly whereas the ZW only has one power cord. The ZW also exudes power appearance wise.
Larger wattage capacity is always better especially for standard gauge trains.
The Z is popular due to its 25 Volt output.
The other reason not yet mentioned that the vintage Z and ZW were/are popular is that they can deliver their entire output to one handle if the others do not have a load on them.
So the Z or ZW can power a much more power hungry train (multiple motors, light in passenger cars, etc) than a single LW can.
I specifically said the vintage models above due to the modern ZWs (ZW-C, ZW-L) being limited to a max of 180W per channel no matter what the other handles are doing. And there is the whole topic of the difference in how ratings are specified for pre/post war vs modern.
-Dave
Thanks everyone!
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