I’m a American flyer colletor for 40 years now i’m going to start my first layout . what should I use to run my trains Lionel zw or American flyer 30b ? any thoughts.
I would say it depends on how much wattage you would need for your layout. ZW’s output 275 watts, while 30B’s have 300. If you’re looking to power a two train layout with one or two accessories with a single transformer, both should suffice. If you want to run three or more trains plus accessories I would err on the side of the 30B to be sure you can power everything. Anything more than four trains and accessories, I would probably get two transformers.
Hope this helps!
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Be aware that the ZW has some other differences from Gilbert transformers. Many AF operators like the ZW because the starting voltage is about half of the Gilbert voltage. Gilbert transformers have a minimum voltage of about 7V, the ZW is between 3V to 4V. The Gilbert reverse unit cycles at about 4V. The downside is the maximum ZW output voltage is 21V, Gilbert engines are rated for only 16V. Operators put tape or a mark on the ZW dial so they do not over voltage the engine.
When I used Gilbert transformers I used a 19B for each main line and a 15B for the yard. I used a couple of 4B’s to power lighting, turnouts and accessories. The 19B’s are 300W to a single handle. Just the lights in my turnouts and their controllers drew 5A. At 15V that is 75W. Postwar transformers are input wattage rated and are 75% efficient. That means a 100W transformer can only output 75W. Modern transfomers are all output rated.
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than you for the in put, l’m thinking 2 train layout with 2 siding and a spur, the acc. are a talking station,2 station platforms,log loader,coal loader,barrel loader,sawmill, cattle loader and mail car . I was going to run the trains with the zw and the acc. with the 30b . The owner of a local hobby shop told me to do the opposite. that is why I’m asking for advice. Thank you again !!
Either way works. The dead mans handles on the 30B are nice to have when operating the trains. If you use the ZW for accessories, check the voltage output. The accessories do not like more than 16V.
You realize if both transformers are used in the way you plan, the transformers will have to be phased correctly in the 120V outlet and the “Common” output terminals tied together. This is because the Gilbert operating cars use the Base Post rail to complete the solenoid circuit for actuation. The Talking Station auto stop start (White wire) works this way, as do the cattle car, the mail car, the coal dump car and the log unloading car. The equivalent of the Gilbert Base Post is labeled “U” on modern Lionel transformers. I believe the ZW also uses “U” as common. Not all Lionel postwar transformers use “U” as the common terminal.
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Yes the zw dose use “u” as common. So if i’m following you correctly I tie the commons together , I do like the Dead man handler on the 30b, thank you so much for all the help I do appreciate it. never thought about the common , you do use the base rail and 1 wire to the button , thank you again.
Before you tie the grounds together you will need to phase the transformers, as mentioned by @AmFlyerTom. You can do this by plugging both in, attaching a wire to the ground post of one transformer, and then brushing the ground post of the other transformer. If you get sparks, flip the plug of one of the transformers, and you’re set.
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got ya thank you so much, I will do that.
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Good to know.
Thanks!
Rich
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I like to use a Lionel Type V for my O gauge trains because I mostly just run one train at a time, and it ranges like 6-25 volts all from the same throttle. The Marx engines only need 8-10 volts at most it seems, while postwar Lionel require the midrange voltage. I have a couple of odd engines like Thomas Industries that need more like the 18-21 volt range, so the one set of binding posts and throttle can do all of these, without me having to wire up alternate transformers. I like the dead man handle concept, so before my power goes to track it passes through an old fashioned simple knife blade switch that I can raise and lower to start-stop-reverse my trains, and save wear and tear on the transformer knobs.
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