What is the best 100 watt transformer?

When the CW-80 just doesn't have quite enough oomph, I like the RS-1 at 6 amps(and no "fold-back" feature).

I like the 125 watt Lionel LW, I use them with an external breaker and TVS. picked a couple up at a Greenburg show for $40 each.

Dale H

Well, I'll weigh in. For me it was the Z1000 hands-down. Simple plug and play if you want to go to with the DCS RC at some point in the future.

Gilly

If you can find one (e-bay), K-line made an excellent variable 120W transformer.  Here is the link to Legacy K-line describing its features.

http://www.legacykline.com/app...tml?p_oem_sku=K-0956

Pic attached

I forgot about that one.

I have a couple.  Love 'em.

There is some history in these that lead to the final demise of K-Line. 

The basic architecture of the Power Chief 120 is based on(copied from) the Lionel CW(80), but with the flaws in the original CWs addressed and fixed(K-Line made the black / "U" terminals/posts common as they should be, gave it a 270° range on the throttle instead of the CW 90° , and allowed it to put out a full 7 amps as it's capable of, all without the annoying cooling fan, and put an actual power switch right on the unit).

When Lionel "called" them on it, it lead to(additional) litigation that took K-Line down.

Thanks guys. I had an LW awhile ago but needed the separate whistle,horn, direction buttons. Mrc rates the 1301 @ 65 watts, have you had any issues with long trains or passenger cars? I will check the rs-1 and the kline,  I was not aware of them.  On the mth z 1000, ever had compatibility issues? Folks on another forum complained about PS-1 and post war trains not doing well.  Maybe we can't expect total compatibility?

Just found a power chief and an rs-1 on eBay, the prices appear to be right!

I have not checked on those, but for comparison, I paid $41 each including shipping for the 2 PowerChiefs, and $31 each including shipping for two RS-1 transformers.

The Z-1000 has been a great transformer for me.  I have several of them.

MTH Z-1000 would be/is my choice.  I also have several of them and have used them since they were first introduced.  Simple and reliable.

I'm a big fan of the Z1000. I can run four engines with sound and illuminated passenger car and it doesn't even get warm. The breaker is lightning fast as well.

I will join the chorus for the Z-1000 - plenty of "OOMPH" for standard gauge or O gauge! 

Does the Z1000 put out a pure sine wave?  I have a PS1 Hudson that I need to power.

Steve

I like the Z1000, have 2 of them. It would be better if it was only 1 piece instead of 2. I also like the 14 amp accessory connection. It is also cheaper than the CW180; at least the ones I bought were cheaper

Brent

No. The controller reduces the voltage by chopping the sine wave from the brick.

The 110 watt RW is an oldie but a goodie. 

the 1033 falls a bit short of your requirements at 90watts...

but it's my favorite small footprint powerpack and there seems to be no end to the supply still out there.

Much shorter when you consider that 90 watts is an input rating.  The continuous output rating of the 1033 is 60 watts.

Have 2 of these,one crapped out. the other I made a mistake of using it on a PS1 trolley. Destroyed the board for some reason so I went to the LW.

Dale H

I love the 1033 and the other older lionel units like the RW too but I need the separate whistle/ bell buttons since I am still on traditional control.   By the way, what is the fold back feature and why is it an issue?

When the CW-80 just doesn't have quite enough oomph, I like the RS-1 at 6 amps(and no "fold-back" feature).

I can't say it is the best because I haven't used the others but I have 3 - Z1000's and they all work great.

i find it difficult to believe a simple iron core transformer can be this inefficient.

where are you getting your information?

Save yourself confusion, money, etc.  Just get a Z-1000 and get on with playing with your trains.  It's the Christmas season, and those trains need to be running!   

Lionel.

You ask what the BEST 100 watt transformer out there? That is the Z-1000. It is my favorite too. It will run anything out there. Next up I like the LW.

Rob

you are correct... the 1033 will supply approximately 60 watts continuously with a current load of 5 amps.  60 watts ÷ 5 amps = 12 volts.  but the 1033 can output 16vac max.  turn the handle and ... 16 volts x 5 amps = 80 watts.  still not max and maybe not guaranteed continuous (you never really want to run continuously on the edge no matter what you're using), but should be available.

typical ≠ maximum ratings.

Gentlemen,

   I really do like the new Z-1000, however I use the old Lionel KW a lot more never have any trouble with it, runs everything just fine.  If you want to run DCS remember the breaker bank. 

PCRR/Dave

I really like the looks of the 1033 and there are lots of good ones out there. Is it pure sine? And does the red lever allow for the bell and whistle sequences on MTH PS engines?

Thanks

1033s have a rectifier disk for whistle/horn control, no bell. (reversed leads will get you bell, but no whistle/horn).

Be careful buying a Power Chief - be sure it has been tested in actual operation with trains, not just checked with a voltmeter. These are good transformers if they are working right, but assembly quality was spotty and they sometimes had defective internal components. I have two of them - both have had problems. The first one didn't work on the train control circuit (accessory circuit was fine). Turned out a resistor was missing from the output side. I replaced the resistor, reattached another one that was loose at one end, and now it works fine. The other one I haven't had time to fix - I think the pot is bad but haven't gotten around to testing it. The accessory circuit is also OK on that one. 

Also, as has already been noted, the Power Chief is not compatible with Proto-1 or QSI sound systems. 

the 1033 is a variable tap iron core transformer so, yes, the output is a nice smooth sine wave.  although i'm fond of this transformer for running or testing small pre- and postwar trains, i would hesitate to call it a very robust design to support the throttle manipulations necessary to trigger modern sound system features, at least not for regular use.

Thanks. Just what I needed to know. Turns out I would just be using it to run my non PS engines so it should be fine. I've seen quite a few for sale here and there that look new and are fully refurbished. Anything to replace those dang CW80s. I have two, both work but have that awful howling fan noise.

The Lionel LW with 125 watts is winner here in my opinion.  Lighted dial with brightness intensity indicating power output, easy to find and cheap to buy.  I use 3 for my layout often running two trains per transformer.  Engines run are like 2035, 2056 and other heavy pullers and power drawers.

Charlie

CCC,

   Now there is another nice transformer, I completely forgot about the LW with the lighted panel and all.  Good choice Charlie!

PCRR/Dave

Time for another 'plug' for the Z1000....

As someone mentioned above, it can be used as an excellent transformer as-is and later be integrated into a command system as a 6a power brick.