What do you use to run your tinplate

I go for Lionel LW 125 watt transformers. Up to 20 volts output I believe.  I have three on my layout, two of the LWs often run two trains per blocked, relayed loop.

Lighted dial indicates track voltage and brightens as voltage is increased.  LWs  can be had for $35 or so.  I believe LWs are the best watts per buck transformer out there.

Enough transformer for most any train if used for trains only.  I use other transformers for accessories and lights, etc. 

Note:  The LW lever increases voltage counter clockwise which is opposite of many other Lionel transformers.  Mixing LW and others can lead to confusion.

Charlie

Agree with above LW comments. 

I just use what I've had since a kid:  The LW,  a 1033 90-watt, and A Marx 50-watt.

I also use a separate transformer for lights and accessories.

I operate my tinplate layout with an MTH Z-1000.  Will soon be adding a spare DCS system to that layout.  Most of my tinplate motive power is MTH and MTH/LCT PS2, although I do have some contemporary conventional Lionel tinplate.

Tinplate devotees will have to forgive me, but I'm not terribly fond of buzzing E-units and loud open-frame motors.

I have two postwar ZW's on the current basement layout and a KW on my son's layout (which is underneath mine in the basement).  I used to use three Z's for previous layouts and I plan on using those again for a 24X9 attic layout over the garage that I have been slowly building.

I use AF 8B's (5) and a 12B for AF stuff and have a couple of 150 watt Marx transformers as well.  Even had to get a Marklin ho type for some 3 rail ho fun....  I have TMCC and about 5-6 TMCC engines and one Legacy diesel.  Might get legacy one day if I ever land either the K4s or E6 with whistle smoke

I also use the Z-1000 and have found it to be my favorite transformer for small to medium layouts.

Right now, I am using Postwar ZW's to power my entire layout. I have in the past used LW's and CW-80's without trouble.

And all of my tinplate fleet consists "of buzzing E-units and loud open-frame motors", so they have the power for that. I don't know why, but there is something relaxing and entertaining about them, at least to me.

On my standard gauge layout trains are powered by a Lionel Z (not a ZW), with the capability of switching over to a Lionel Type K/#95 rheostat combination for demonstrating "the old way". The Z easily operates two trains simultaneously.

A second Z provides power for most accessories.

I USE A mth z4000 on my Christmas layout and a Lionel ZW on my year round layout.

I am using two postwar ZWs to power the tracks and a modern ZW with four 180 watt bricks for the lights and accessories. The layout is set up for TMCC and DCS operation.

A Lionel Z.  I only run original Lionel standard gauge and O

I run my Standard Gauge loop on a postwar TW. A TW puts out a bit more voltage than some other postwar transformers, so it is handy for the occasional prewar locomotive that likes a few more volts. The Standard Gauge is equipped with TMCC to run the Lionel Hiawatha, but I did not bother to connect it to the DCS unit because I don't own any Standard Gauge locomotives with DCS.

My Standard Gauge is an outer loop running around an 0 gauge layout with three main lines. Two of those are powered with a Z-4000 and one with a K-Line Power Chief (yes, there actually is one of those that works, and yes, I did have to take it apart and fix it).  

The 0 gauge is equipped with both TMCC and DCS.

The Standard Gauge layout in our toy train museum is powered by two original 250 watt Z transformers. 

I use a 1033. I think it and a streetlight are the only Lionel items on my mostly Marx (6") layout. I have Marx transformers that are similar in capacity, but I've always liked the 1033.

J White

I use 18 volt industrial transformers that I custom built into a old battery charger case. This power supply runs a pair of TPC units. Works great, but maybe not what you were asking for.

Either a Z, V, or LW. The Z and V are very robust, and put out over 20V, and are great for heavy, standard gauge trains.They can handle a great deal of load. You'd need a whistle/reverse controller with these if your stuff has whistles.

In my opinion, ZW's lack a little, and KW's are not a good choice for running standard gauge tinplate.

Z-4000 for my 408E's and 400E's.

Why not the KW? I don't use one for Standard Gauge, but I have a couple of them and I'm curious why you think they are not a good choice. 

Ready for more power.

I use 2 Z-4000s and 1 Lionel 180w brick. Everything is pretty much at there limits on my STG layout. 1 throttle on the outer loop can run 8 car Brown State set with 408E plus Super 381E with 5 green State cars about 8 or 9 amps at 18v. 2 more big sets on the middle loop pull a little less power depending if I run Passenger or Freight. The inner loop is a figure 8 so it only runs 1 train and uses less than 5 amps. The 4th Z-4000 throttle is pulling 9 amps at 18v for lights. The Lionel brick pulls 9 amps at 18v for more lights. The Z-4000 pins power the TIU,switches and signals.

I have 2 KWs on my O-gauge layout and can not imagine why a 175 watt transformer with full power at 20v is not good for STG.

V's and Z's have a voltage range of 6-24 volts compared to the 6-20 volts for the ZW.  While they technically have the same rating, 250W, the Z does it at a higher voltage and that probably helps with the natural voltage drop around the old tubular track.  All I know is when I used to run the Z's, I could really highball multiple twin motor loco's with a long string of cars....  Those babies can make a train really motor.... I do like the Prewar Z the best.

Al,

   I use the Z4K, ZW's and a KW depending on which layout the Tin is on at the time.

Right now one of the 263E's is on the Christmas layout in the living room, with an old ZW powering it.

PCRR/Dave

I use Z's, ZW's, Z-1000's, Z-4000's for track power and rewired, reinsulated and fused T's and K's for lights. I also use Variable voltage 5Qty 30amp DC industrial power supplies for lighting and accessories. I separated steady on lights and accessories from blinking lights and accessories because I hate to see a streetlight or house with a slight blinking to it.

For my original Lionel Std Gauge and prewar O-gauge I'm using three of the Lionel Z type. My other needs are met with two KWs, one TW. The new kid on the block would be my Z4K. I'm so impressed with it that it's back in it's original box. It makes one heck of a paperweight.

CW80, ZW-C with 180w bricks, TPC 400 with 180w bricks.  At least when the loco isn't in for repairs.

Ron

Original type V.

Al, you asked! 

WindupGuy:  VERY cool!

my platform is approx 10'x20', three mains and some PW acessories. I have one Type V for #1 main and some small acess.(045 Gateman,151,etc) and another V for the other two mais. And Dad's Type R for lights and some larger acess.(97 cola loader,Sawmill)

I'm with WindupGuy - the CWWK's are simply the best - rugged, foolproof,and you never have to worry about a power outage.  They come in a variety of finishes - the Marx as illustrated - are plain and functional, Flyer and Ives, while utilitarian do have a little more in the way of visual appeal. The foreign stuff - Bing, KBN, etc. while just a rugged really does tend to go overboard when it comes to the visual impression.

WindupGuy:  VERY cool!

Allan, have you considered a Best of Attention Getter catagory?

Al

I have 3 loops of Standard gauge currently.  I use 2 Lionel Type Z transformers, one for each loop on the lower level and an original Lionel K transformer for my upper loop.  I also have DCS and TMCC wired through the whole system.  I protect my modern electronics with in line fuses prior to the TIU.  Most of my trains are original prewar, but the DCS works perfect on the two circuits that lets you change voltage conventionally.  I use the TMCC for the Commadore Vanderbilt and the Hiawatha. 

My original roster is limited too a dual motor 42,318,385 and 380. They run very fast at 14v and I run them at about 11v. The amps are about 3 and change.

The engines are all in good operating order, no rusty track, 4 lockons per loop, 14 and 16 gauge wire.

Three Z-4000's

Luckily I found a Lionel transformer matching the European 220V, it's a 1243 50 Watts. Only the plug had to be changed, they're different 'here'.

Before that I used just an older type of HO Marklin AC transformer, but having a genuine Lionel beside the track it just looks better, more complete so to speak.

Kieffer

Keiffer, I don't think you have have a safe mix by using a 220 attached to 110 volts, unless you use a 220/110 adapter. 

Al

Al,

The Lionel 1243 transformer was made to operate with an input voltage of 220V ac.

Ron M

Good enough for me. After working in the electric supply for 40 years, I have seen and heard stories that just scared heck out of me.

Al