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handyandy posted:
trainroomgary posted:

I run a Lionel ZW-C / Four Lionel Bricks / Why - Runs all the new stuff and old stuff, 180 Watts for each main line.  See the wiring diagram below.

Wireing Diagram Train Room Gary's Layou psd

Gary - This is what works on my layout.

Still confused as to why you need all that "stuff" to run a simple circle of track. 

I think that's supposed to be representative... ( There's a bit of text saying the circle represents 4 mainlines and 8 sidings. )

Robert Coniglio posted:

I am wondering if anyone collects transformers since there are such a wide variety of them

 

Bob C.

I think some people actually do, in fact. Or at least collect them alongside normal equipment...

As form me, my favorite transformer, long before I got one, was the Lionel ZW.

It has a fantastic retro-futuristic appearance, it's huge, it's got 4 handles, It feels fantastic in the hand. The CW-80s I used to use have been retired to accessory power.

Second favorite would be the LW, also for it's retro-futuristic appearance.

I do not own a LW, but I do have a ZW. In excellent shape expect for the slightly worn nameplate, and one of the U posts is dead. Fortunately, the U posts are connected internally, so it hasn't been too much of an issue.

Last edited by PBoots

Our first train was a Lionel 318E bought used in 1937.  All I  can remember about the transformer was that it  looked big, was dark with perforated sides for cooling. Very intimidating. I think, but not sure, it had a handle that contacted brass buttons for contacts. Our Xmas trains ended shortly after WW II when we moved in to a 4 room 3rd floor apartment, 2 adults, 3 kids and a dog. The Standard gauge survived though, I still have it.

ADCX Rob posted:
Choo Choo Charlie posted:

The Lionel LW transformer is a best buy at 125 watts (output).

125 input. It is about the same as a CW on the output(80 watts).

I have to ask - Are the ratings of other Lionel postwar transformers, such as 90 watts for a 1033 or 275 watts for a ZW, also input wattage?  If so, is the output power also only about 64% of input as on the LW?

Pete

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