I want to purchase my first postwar ZW. ZWs were made over quite a few years and apparently have experienced some modifications over that period. The early ZWs were 250W and were changed to a 275W rating. My understanding is that the 250W and 275W ZWs are actually identical in power.
Are there any ZWs to avoid, and are there some model ZWs that are preferred? Thank You…
Earl
Earl,
If it is your first one I would recommend purchasing one that you actually see, the seller hooks up for you, and runs trains with it. My LTS will do this, and when they get them in they go over them with a fine tooth comb and replace anything that needs replacing.
I don’t own my PW ZW any longer, I sold it once I got the Modern ZW with the 2 180 bricks. But I can tell you there wasn’t anything from the conventional age that it couldn’t handle!
The postwar ZWs are good even today. 250/275 are the same. lionel changed the way they were rated and thats all they did. Two items that usually need attention are the carbon rollers and the DC recitifer discs that activate the whistle or horn relay. And make sure the AC cord has not crumbled. Many have new cords and thats a good idea.
Love them. Got three working both mainlines and one running the sidings. I use KW’s for accessories, switch power and lights. I do replace the Lionel breakers with automotive auto resetting breakers [Bob Nelson recommended]. I use quick acting breakers between the transformer and track. Some say you don’t need unless you run command. I saw a conventional Lionel diesel Sat. that was brought in to Miss Edna’s for repair. Pickup roller section that was plastic had melted away. Why, transformer breaker did not activate quick enough. Also I use TVR’s [also recommended by Bob Nelson]. Love PW ZW’s as easy to repair.
A little clarification: I recommend replacing the Lionel circuit breaker with an automotive breaker only if it isn’t working or you don’t trust it for some reason. I do however recommend supplementing whatever breaker is in the transformer with automotive breakers on the individual outputs, since the single internal breaker does not protect against faults between outputs. Fast circuit breakers or fuses are harmless; but they add no protection if you use TVSs (not "TVR"s) across your track circuits and can be a nuisance to reset or replace, respectively.
Here’s some photos I recently took of my eBay ZW. Looks like I got lucky–rollers and windings look fine, and it doesn’t buzz.
Bob,
What are TVSs and TVRs?
Earl
Earl, if you do a search on this site for TVS, I had asked the question some time ago. Bob Nelson gave a complete answer as well as information regarding installation. Transient Voltage Suppressor. They are cheap and well worth the protection they provide.
Dennis
I’d suggest replacing the roller that is on the left is the second pic asap. That makeshift pin appears to be dragging on the windiings, and that is the last thing you want. Replace it before it is too late.
Great catch, JIM. I hadn’t noticed that.