I am a new commer to the railroad hobbie. Growing up as a lad, I was fasinated by trains. Im in college now and decided to start a layout of my own. I have a question however for a layout that I really want to build. It will be an L shaped layout consisting of (8) 30 inch straight track, (13) 45" curves. it will ALMOST be the exact size of 2 8x4 tables in a L shape. I have a Lionel 80 Watt transformer… will this be enough to power my creation?
Ewwww … make sure that 80 is not the model that had alot of problems with burning up. I’d hate for you to start building and the transformer fails . Maybe someone on here can tell you by the model number . Lionel has been replacing them … but you have to contact them .
80 watts is only about 2/3 of an amp. At best, that will reliably run one engine. My DCC system puts out 5 amps all by itself. You would be better off getting a “serious” power source for your layout. Save the old train transformers for powering structure lights, signals and accessories.
Unless you’re going to be running Lionel trains, a Lionel transformer can’t be used because its output is alternating current (AC). If you’re trying to run HO or N scale locomotives, they require a direct current (DC) power pack.
That is correct for 120 volts. At 12 volts the calculation comes out to 6.66~ amps. I do think though that the transformer in question is an AC output. Someone more familiar with it can answer that.
Well in this case, if an 80 Watt wouldnt cut the mustard, whats the next step up that would do the trick?
What scale trains are you intending to run – If you want to run Lionel O scale the transformer you have is okay for them, but if you intend to run HO or N scale trains, you can’t use that Lionel transformer.
I want to run O scale just as I do now, i just want to make the layout bigger.
I run O27 and am using a fifty year old Lionel ZW. (Has been overhauled once) A good used one from a reputable dealer might save $. You can always buy a new one down the road and in the meantime, you have transformer that will run up to four trains.
I also have a CW 80 which powers accessories and a small side line. About a year with no problems to date. Good luck.
The formula for Power is : P= V/I where P is measured in watts, V is the voltage in volts, and I is the current in amperes.
If this is a Lionel transformer, and an older one like I had as a boy, it is AC, there is no rectifier built inside to convert the voltage to DC. It would be a Step Down transformer, which means that it steps down the voltage from 120 volts on the Input Primary windings, to a lower AC voltage on the secondary windings in the transformer. Obviously the AC voltage on the Secondary side would be small, because all it takes to kill a person via electrical shock, is 0.1 ampere AC. But, you need enough “ummmph” (Voltage) to push that 0.1 ampere through about 500K ohms of body resistance.
Well thank you everyone for your insite! My 80 Watt is a brandnew one i bought about 3 months ago in a starter set. Im not sure if its going to do the trick but ill give it a shot.
With all being said, running O gauge, 1 train, 8 30 inch straights 13 45 degree curves in a L shape, brand new Lionel 80 Watt transformer, is it worth a shot? or should i just go to the ZW
Johnny you can go ahead and start with the 80. It’ll let you know when you need more power … believe me . I’d say it’s the minimum . They were intended for the basic starter set useage and not for a layout . If you add anything more though I’d start putting my pocket change in a jar and counting on a larger power source. Even small addons like signals and lights in cars start sucking the juice out of the transformer . If she shuts down or gets too warm … safety says replace her . It can always be used to run the small stuff later . The scarey part is if the breakers malfunction the nightmare of damage or fire crops up . Do you have a good surge/breaker unit on the line ? It sounds like you want to get her going as low as possible … but God forbid a fire ! Check Ebay for a transformer buy . I don’t know what type engines you have or may be running so I won’t suggest any particular brand or model .