Power for 3 Rail Toy Trains - Page 1 of 2
Transformers reduce 115 volt ac current to power these toy trains at 5 to 25 volts ac.
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Shock and
Fire Hazards with Toy Train Transformer Power The 110 V from the wall plug to the attachment inside a transformer can kill a person or a pet. (Have a bad cord replaced. Unplug cord before opening transformer. Transformer repairs should be made by an experienced technician.) Overheating due to faulty wiring or contact rollers inside a transformer with a bad interior circuit breaker can burn down your house or building. (How to Test the transformer circuit protection.) On the secondary (5-20V) side of the transformer, loose connections and arc faults can burn down your house or building. See safe and hazardous examples. (Use correct size wire, make all connections tight, and keep wiring neat.) |
Transformer Examples
The following transformers can be easily
combined in one layout.
Photos of MTH Z4000, Lionel Postwar ZW and Z, MTH Z750 Brick,
and Lionel 1025 and 4851.
All must be phased when tied
together on one layout.
MTH Z4000 is a
Favorite Modern Transformer (March 2, 2012)
Tracks 1 & 2: 0-22V, 165VA each Aux. 10: 10V, 1.5A
Aux. 14: 14V, 1.5A
The MTH TIU Remote #50-1002 (not
pictured) also communicates with the Z4000 Transmitter
See Operating Instructions
.
The Lionel Postwar ZW is a Classic that
is still a Favorite Today.
Parts are readily available. Repair information is abundant.
See Lionel Postwar
Instructions 1953 or
Lionel Postwar Instructions 1963.
This ZW is rated 5-20 Vac - 275 watts, has 4 variable voltage taps,
and 2 of the variable voltage taps have direction and whistle
activation. For bell activation,
add a sound button.
The top four U (common) terminals are tied to an internal bar. The paint on plug indicates correct phasing.
The carbon rollers pick up the varying voltage.
The Whistle Rectifier Disc can be
Replaced with a Stud Mounted Diode.
See
Article
Zener diodes 50w 12v look similar, are larger, and work better for
some on modern engines.
The Lionel Postwar Z is a Workhorse for
Powering Large Layouts.
Parts are readily available. Repair information is abundant.
The Z is rated 5-25 Vac - 250 watts and has 4 variable voltage taps
The Replacement Red and Green Lens Covers are Either not Deep Enough or Bulbs are too Large.
The top four U (common) terminals are tied to an internal bar.
Plumbing Washers were Used in Place of
Unavailable Part.
The other side's washers were stuck inside the cover.
The back Control Rods with Gears at
Bottom Control the A and B Roller Contact Arms
that Connect to Rollers Sweeping the Bottom of Secondary Coil.
This Z has Just Been Serviced
