Lionel train transformers

Lionel Trains has created a miniature train empire by making miniature trains easy to operate and connect both physically and electrically. The presence of 3 rails simplifies many things regarding electrical wiring and grounding. Fortunately, Lionel and other manufacturers have developed components to a state where wiring is quite simple, regardless of how complex your train design may be. The latest tools and controllers allow you to easily run multiple trains on the same layout with completely independent control.

Most Lionel O-gauge trains run on 18-volt alternating current. The AC current increases or decreases with the use of what is called a rheostat. This is roughly equivalent to an electrical attenuator, but in this case the ‘attenuator’ resides in the transformer of your model train setup and regulates the current passing through the tracks and therefore the speed of the tracks. trains on the track. Electricity passing through the track is conducted to an electric motor housed underneath the locomotive’s housing. More current equals more speed.

Many Lionel and other trains have an electronic reversing switch that allows the train operator to remotely reverse the direction of the motors, causing the train to reverse. Some trains also have a feature, a gear that allows them to run at full power without moving, like neutral in a car. This ‘neutral’ gear occurs when you accelerate the train to 0 or even when shifting from forward to reverse. With the modern TrainMaster Command Control system, you can customize the direction and response of multiple trains independently, as well as control and program a wide range of accessories and switches.

When many think of a Lionel transformer, the classic CW-80 often comes to mind. It’s an 80-watt unit that includes speed, sound accessory activation, forward and back buttons, all in one convenient control panel.

Sometimes with large designs, long heavy trains, or steep slopes, more power is needed. 80 watts may not be enough, it is situations like these where the ZW driver is required. With 360 watts of power, the Lionel ZW transformer and its four throttle levers provide ample power for any heavy duty design need and, when combined with a TrainMaster command control system, it is an unstoppable combination.

When connecting your transformer, you will probably notice that you have more than two posts for connecting wires. These additional posts allow you to route fixed and varied currents to the wide range of accessories you may need to power your track layout. Examples could include street and building lights, switches, automatic gates, chargers, cranes, couplers, and many more items.

Regardless of the accessories you can connect to your transformer, the magic begins with connecting them to the track. This is done using what is commonly called a lock. The lockon device connects the cables coming from the transformer to two rails of the track. With large designs, a second lock is needed with a feeder cable connected from the first, it is best to have one lock for every 6 feet of track. Otherwise, the resistance of the track itself becomes significant and performance may fail.

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