I happen to own a variety of small, 25-40 watt cheap-cheap Lionel transformers that I acquired through a number of junk lots. I also happen to have a Type V and a pair of 1033s. Now, all of these transformers are functional and quite reliable. One of the 1033s is part of my layout’s control system, as is the Type V and one of the little 25-watters. The issue is that, whenever I do a train display, it is of considerable annoyance to have to disconnect that 1033 and who-knows-how many other small transformers from my layout. Nor is it much fun to cart around three or four transformers all over the place and to get them to all cooperate. My solution is to acquire for myself a great, big fat high-wattage transformer. You know, the kind that usually annoys me because of the lack of flexibility. What I did is I budgeted myself $100 (still plenty of money, but worth it) and have decided to go shopping. At that kind of money, for a transformer, I’m not going to get an untested or broken one. Currently, there are several options staring me in the face. I could get a ZW–the big ol’ classic–for about $100, I could get a KW for closer to $60, and there’s a VW on an auction for $60 (right now). Like as not no more than three train controls are needed simultaneously, and an additional small transformer could be brought along if need be for the third train. That means that I want to get either a 2-train transformer and bring along a 1033 or something, or else a four-train transformer. Whistles/horns are not a priority, as I can easily rig up a whistle control and want to convert all those locos to remote control anyway. Obviously, while I did budget a pile of money, I’d rather not spend all of it. And the only reason that I’m not simply disconnecting the Type V (the hassle would be justified here) is because a transformer that goes up to 25 volts, coupled with some more modern engines and a number of excited small children, is simply a recipe for disaster and smoke.
However, Lionel is not the only company that has made bigger transformers, American Flyer has also made some nice, big power supplies: there’s a 190-watt 18B at auction (I expect that if the auction continues as it is it might go for $40). What are everyone’s recommendations?
I would go with the American Flyer 18B.
But, then, I am an old AF guy, so I am biased.
Rich
That’s currently what I’m leaning towards most of all. If the auction goes beyond my price range then I’ll pick up a KW instead.
First, I am a lifelong American Flyer collector/operator. Some AF operators use Lionel ZW transformers, here is why. The starting voltage is low, around 3V, unlike Gilbert transformers that start at 6V to 7V. The ZW has four separate outputs, each with its own control. If only one output is used, the ZW can output its full power to that single output. The maximum output voltage is 20 to 21V, an advantage for some Lionel engines, too much for Gilbert engines, and way to much for anything with a can motor. Gilbert transformers output 16V to 18V max, depending on which model it is.
Looking at Gilbert transformers, the absolute best dual control is the 22090 rated at 350W. It is two separate 175W transformers in a single case that share only the input power cord. Next best would be the 30B rated at 300W. The 18B would follow that with 175W.
The most powerful single control Gilbert transformer is the 19B, rated at 300W.
The problem with the “turret top” 30B, 19B, 18B, 17B, 16B and 15B transformers is the carbon roller fails as they age. That has happened to all my turret tops even though usage is minimal. All this means is the transformer has to have been serviced with a new carbon roller installed. Failed carbon rollers can test good open circuit, but under load the engines run slow because of the high resistance of the bad roller. I recommend against buying one with an original roller unless you are prepared to replace it. The 22090 uses brass wipers which are not prone to failure. The 22035 is the 175W single control version of the 22090.
I don’t have rollers on hand, but I could undoubtedly replace them with some sort of wiper or the like. I recall reading somewhere that lack of usage causes the roller to fail.
Gilbert replacement rollers are not available. Lionel rollers can be used as a substitute.
If you had access to a small lathe, could you make rollers from ⅜" gouging carbon stock?
I’ve also heard that gold is an option for replacing rollers. I personally wouldn’t be in a position to try it, but I’ve heard they’re more durable than even the carbon rollers.
I suppose you could make a new roller with the exact dimensions of the original, What repair people do is buy the Lionel equivalent of Gilbert part # PA11757 and #A43, the retainer. Portlines and The Train Tender have them in stock.
I wouldn’t see much point to making a new roller. I’d probably just buy an equivalent part… unless conductive filament would work…
Update: I bid on a ZW that was sitting at $75. It got blown off the rails. Then I bid on a VW at $60. It, too, was blown off the rails. Currently waiting on the 18B, and maybe also a VW if I can make a satisfactory offer.
I got my KW for 50 bucks at a flea market. I could have had a ZW for the same price which surprised me. But I liked the KW better.
I would have gotten both!
KW’s got a lot of power in a easy-to-handle package, a good choice!
I’ve still got my KW from the 1960s, still works just fine. The only thing I’ve had to replace is the power cord.
Those cords seem to be the Achilles’s Heel of most 50s Lionel transformers. Almost all of mine no longer have the original cord.
An update–the 18B was also blown off of the rails. I put in an offer for the VW; I’m waiting on the seller.
Well, I now own a Type VW for just under $70! I’m now waiting for it to arrive.
Well, at Trainz.com, I came upon an untested 18B for $20. The shipping, unremarkably, was horrendous. But they have a free shipping sale, so I tacked it on to my order! So, maybe, I’ll have myself an 18B to go with the VW!
That is awesome. 
Yeah!