what's the best conventional transformer set up to run all makes?

I'd say the Z-4000 if you are a PS1 guy. The Z4K has the program feature for PS1 built in. 

I've got two of them, they are rock solid. My only "gripe" is if there is a derailment, it will only reduce the voltage for several seconds THEN cut the power. IMO, just like the Z-1000, the power should be cut INSTANTLY the short happens. 

If you have Qsi, Ps1 sound systems, it's the Z4000! Also get the plug in remote for the rear as well!

SJC posted:

I'd say the Z-4000 if you are a PS1 guy. The Z4K has the program feature for PS1 built in. 

I've got two of them, they are rock solid. My only "gripe" is if there is a derailment, it will only reduce the voltage for several seconds THEN cut the power. IMO, just like the Z-1000, the power should be cut INSTANTLY the short happens. 

PSX-AC's are instant acting, kills power very quickly. They are as good as the PH-180 breakers, or possibly even slightly better. Might be something worth looking into for your Z-4000's, if you are worried about the delay. 

 The "best" is relative to personal perspectives.

 Mine is conventionally based, with some newer goodies too. I use my whistles and bells, but easily live without the other sounds and features. In fact, other than my love for an idling steamer popping and thumping in the background, I don't care for sounds much.

  I have had no issues outside of modern whistles not reacting to my KWs rectifier discs. The KW is a pretty strong unit. You should be ok unless you run big PW double or triple headed, or large MUs, or long trains of lit passenger cars, etc.  (Trains with many total motors inside need more amps)

  Just remember, nobody complains about having bought too big a power supply.(*)

  An added diode string and push button solves the modern whistle issue, normally for under $20.

A second diode string, or a switch to reverse the new button's dc offset polarity gives you the bell too.

  A big, post type diode can replace rectifier discs in the KWs, giving a 5v boost for PW, and good trigger for modern whistles too (but no bell, and now the new trains will speed up a lot when you hit the whistle)(the 5v boost can be bypassed internally too fyi...and have you ever checked out the KW's rollers condition?)

On the other hand, PW air whistles don't do as well on modern equipment (imo). The lack of 5v boost slows engines a lot as the larger whistle motors drains power, and sometimes certain diodes just wont trigger the PW whistle relays. (Adding to or changing a diode setup to increase the normal dc over ac voltage offset worked for me, but I didn't run that way very long to note any smoothness issues, it was just a test for fun)

  Some Weavers wont run on much of the modern equipment period. They need real sine wave to operate at all, not chopped sine. (I think they use the + and - sides of ac waves seperately rectified to dc + and dc -, on some boards. Most companies just use the + side)

Adding better breakers and tvs to protect what modern stuff you already have seems like the way to go imo...    But only if you are going stay strictly conventional, and ignore the in-depth features the more modern stock comes with by default.

*  Once built, if you sense you actually lack enough power, THEN buy bigger. The additional TVS and breakers will be nice overkill at that point.

Nothing here yet without an old thread to search for & read up on.

  I like the large, traditional Lionel style handles vs most modern "knobs" too.

 Lots of choices really! None 100% right, or wrong, so much as them just being as "different" as our own expectaions of them are. Workarounds for specific trains are a sort of "given" with ALL imo.

  Visit a store or three, visit clubs, or local folk with layouts, or invite folks to visit with their unit, just to try out some other power options.

that's a real good idea, I have a couple friends (if you can believe it or not) that have different set ups, z4000's and what not, one runs all conventional with a cab 1 ......therapy for me is sometimes just to let the trains run in circles for hours on end.  Nothing compares to these modern can motored locos for longevity of run time. but as my collection grows with an already existing roster of ps1 locos and a growing roster of ps 2 locos, & some lionel railsounds units, it just seems the next logical evolution is to modernize the power. I find more and more of the postwar pieces becoming static displays at this point. I also think, if I'm understanding this correctly, the newer transformers have a better slow speed step than the older postwar units....hopefully someone can elaborate on that......thanks for the above mentioned ideas....they are very good suggestions..

update....after trying a buddy's Z4000....im hooked...picked up the first one second hand....got the second from Mario's trains....(fast shipped, awesome deal!)...I'm hooked ....lovin it! thanks for all the input!