I was looking at the Lionel ZW transformer to use on my new layout.
Walthers has it listed as having two 190 watt powerhouse transformers. The stock number is 434-632930 and sells for $499.99.
Internet Hobbies has it listed as stock number LNL-632930 with two 180 watt Powerhouse Trasformers with a MSRP of $399.95 and selling for $369.95. Difference is the wattage.
Internet Trains has it listed as stock number LNL-632930 with two 180 watt Powerhouse Transformers and a retail price of $499.99 and selling for $474.99.
I found it at an Ebay store listed as stock number 632930 with two 180 watt Powerhouse Transformers with a buy it now price of 369.99 and free shipping.
I bought the one on Ebay because I beleive all these are the same due to the same last six digites of the stock number.
Did I mess up or are all of these the same ZW transformer?
Also while on Ebay I noticed many older ZW transformers I believe made from 1950-1965 that were 275 watt. What is the difference between these and the ones being sold today. Prices for many of therm were no different than a new one.
Howdy Bill, I have the same new ZW and the difference is the old one’s had the Watt transformer inside and no built in TMCC because they were made way before TMCC came out! Now on the new ZW’s they have no transformer inside, they are external bricks(called that cause they are so heavy and kinda shaped like a brick!), that plug into the back of the main case.Now you can add up to 2 more 180 watt bricks for a total of 720 watts .And the common terminal on each output is connected inside. It also has a TPC built into the main case for the outputs, which means you can simply buy the command base and controller(either the older CAB-1 and base or the newest Legacy cab-2 and base ) plug in a couple of wires and whammo you running under command. You can also run 1 loop under command and another loop under conventional control or you can run all command control or conventional whichever your into! And as for the pricing on the older vs newer thats because the older ZW’s were built like tanks and you can get 50-75 years of training out of them!! so the guys who really like the older stuff will pay for them. The only disadvantage to them are, the weight of them(because the transformer is inside) you have to built pretty stout table to hold them up and that they are not expanddable beyond the 275 Watts. I hope I answered you questions and good luck!!
The modern era ZW came in two basic flavors, older version had two 135 watt Power House bricks. The later units have two 180 bricks. When Lionel originally announced the new PowerHouse units they had hoped to rate them at 190 watts. This would push them over the CPSC limit for a TOY transformer. The web sites advertising them as 190 watts are wrong.
The original PW ZW was rated at 275 watts but that is what the unit consumed from the house outlet not what was delivered to the track. A PW ZW could regulate about 180 watts of sustained power.
You’re light years ahead with the newer model … you made the right choice . And if you keep your eye on ebay … I’ve seen extra bricks go for great lower prices sometimes .
Trainman, Thanks for explaining how it works. I’m new to “O” scale. I’m switching from HO where I got into Digital Command Control (DCC), and finding Lionel and their Legacy system very intriguing. It sounds very similar to the DCC system I have.
I had a feeling the PowerHouse Transformers were some sort of external power supply but wasn’t sure. I appreciate your explaniation of how the system works. Purchasing the new ZW will make it easier when I buy the Legacy system. I expect to have 3 to 4 separate tracks and from this point I hope to buy mostly Legacy equipped locos.
Ole Timer, I see you’re into the B&O, C&O and Western Maryland. That’s the same railroads I’m into. Also Chessie since they came together under the Chessie System. 99% of my HO locos are B&O, C&O, Western Maryland and Chessie. Of course I’ve lived in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia area all my life and use to play on the old B&O tracks in Anacostia, Washington, DC.
I"ll keep a look out for the good deals on more bricks on Ebay.
Thanks again to everyone for explaining the differences.