ZW or ZW - L for standard gauge?

If using a ZW- individual current protection on each of the outputs- not depending on the high amperage common breaker to save your probably quite costly and expensive trains.

You don't need TVS if not running modern versions with sound and electronics, but again, individual breakers or other current (Amps) protection on each of the 4 output channels.

The ZW-L has built in protection but at what cost? Again, by all means, your money, your railroad, but a ZW-L seems like expensive overkill with features you might not even use, where as a ZW with proper breakers, might be the sweet spot between cost and good protection along with adequate power.

And, something people don't talk about but can happen. If really running only oldschool conventional only, high inductance, lots of sparks, frequent possible shorts, kind of equipment- that abuse actually can cause failures in modern electronic controlled transformers (ZW-L, Z4000, GW180, Powermasters). In other words, the load spikes and shorts the transformer eventually causing a failure not the other way around.

So again, IMO, running a conventional transformer (meaning a roller or tap based voltage transformer- like a ZW) - as long as more recent modern circuit breakers for current are added- let the trains spark- create that ozone and EMI RFI all they want. The transformer doesn't care and the trains get to be run safely, and the whole thing doesn't cost you arm and a leg.

Old ZW upgraded is only PRACTICAL way to go. Been doing this for 65 years,  If you happen to acquire a modern  unit ,you are PROTECTED.  Harry 

Would the OP be better served using a prewar Z transformer to run the Standard Gauge, of course using a fast trip breaker just in case?  My recollection is that the Z has a higher voltage output than the ZW.

I agree that a $1000 ZW-L would not be the best for this use.  I have a ZW-L and love it but it seems like a wasted expense for Standard Gauge.

The only rationale for the ZW-L or other more expensive modern transformer would be if the original poster doesn't have access to a refurbished ZW, or isn't comfortable fitting a ZW with modern circuit breakers.  The ZW-L already has those.

Osofine

You did not say if you would be running two or more trains on independent loops.  ZW transformers output voltage, on one speed control, will be affected  if the voltage on another transformer speed control is reset.  My layout has three loops that each has its own Lionel LW transformer.  This was done so control of one loop is not affected by voltage changes on the other loops and to allow more space between transformers for 3 operators sharing two control boards on conventional control.  Transformer selection switches allow only one LW to control the whole layout also.

Lionel LW Transformer's have the  highest single train input wattage, 125 watts, than any other Lionel transformers, per throttle, including ZWs.  LWs are also much less expensive then ZWs.

Charlie

Depends. If you're going with the newer Std. gauge that has electronics, then you should go with the L. If your engines are old school the Ole ZW is just fine.

I always remember being told that for original pre-war standard gauge the Type Z transformer was preferred because it put out a maximum voltage of 20-25 volts. The postwar ZW maxed out at 20 volts. The MTH Z-4000 puts out a maximum of 20 volts and has "some" circuit protection, certainly better than an original ZW. All lionel post -TMCC transformers are limited to 18 volts or less. At least that is my understanding.

@rdg_fan posted:

I always remember being told that for original pre-war standard gauge the Type Z transformer was preferred because it put out a maximum voltage of 20-25 volts. The postwar ZW maxed out at 20 volts. The MTH Z-4000 puts out a maximum of 20 volts and has "some" circuit protection, certainly better than an original ZW. All lionel post -TMCC transformers are limited to 18 volts or less. At least that is my understanding.

Ah.  The old "more voltage is better" ploy.  If a little is fine, then more is better and, following this train of thought to its logical conclusion, a lot more is significantly better.

Yes, just go ahead and crank it up and see what happens.  It will definitely run faster.  Does that mean better?

To you speed may be important, but to most how long it operates before it dies is probably a major consideration.

Keep the voltage down (18 VAC max) .  It'll save a lot of aggravation in the end.

Mike

If there's some reason that you like the ZW (with its classic form factor, ease of operation, and recognizable aesthetics) rather than the earlier Z (with its higher output voltage), you could always install a Variac between the wall and the ZW, getting you more input voltage to the ZW.

See, for example, this item# on Ebay: 144126791065. Some of the older Variacs can output up to 200% of their input voltages.

Ah, the old Variacs, which I used when building Ham Radio transmitters many years ago. On occasions they also "juiced-up" a ZW  when running four independent  loops ... but within the bounds of "common sense," which is grossly absent these days!

Yes, the ancient one on my bench is used when I buy an old piece of telephony, to massage the electrolytics back to life without releasing the Lucas Smoke.  Set it at around 20 Volts, come back in an hour. If the barn is still standing, crank it up another 20.