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Post by mgarcia1 on Feb 23, 2024 17:33:53 GMT
Hi All,
First post. Hopefully I'm in the right board.
I just recently acquired my first Lionchief starter set, and coming from N Scale, I think I'm hooked. So much so that I just made a preorder from the 2024 Lionel catalog for a LionChief+2.0 locomotive. The semi-scale size and features to price seems very reasonable to me to start out with.
At a train show a few weeks back I acquired a 494 Rotary Beacon and a 197 Radar Antenna, both from 1997. They were a great deal and I figured I would deal with powering them later. From what I've read, the voltage needed for these is not be compatible with the FasTrack voltage for the Lionchief set. What is the best solution, and least cost, for powering older accessories if I cannot use track power at this time? I've thought about older power supplies but want to make sure it's something that safe. I've also read that there is apparently a bad batch of used CW80's out there that I should probably avoid.
Thanks,
Mike
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Feb 23, 2024 19:18:03 GMT
I think the easiest and simplest option would be to pick up one (or more, depending on the number of accessories) inexpensive single-set transformer to separately power your accessories. Most older accessories are not particularly voltage-finicky IME, but the throttle will allow you to adjust the voltage to best match the needs of a particular accessory (pairing compatible accessories on separate transformers if you really want to tweak it). Alternatively, for DC-compatible accessories, you can add cheap (typically $2 or less each from "slow boat" sources) buck converters to translate AC to the optimum DC voltage for each specific accessory. Good luck!
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Post by healey36 on Feb 23, 2024 20:16:05 GMT
I agree with Steve...an older transformer like a postwar Lionel LW is an excellent choice. At 125 watts, it can handle a number of accessories pretty capably, has an internal circuit-breaker should there be a problem, and is reasonably sized for under the table. Look for one that's been tested and has a power cord in nice shape (no cracks in the cord, no chips or breaks in the plug).
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Post by mgarcia1 on Feb 23, 2024 21:27:39 GMT
Thanks for the responses. There sure are lot of choices out there as far as transformers go.
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Feb 23, 2024 22:13:39 GMT
Thanks for the responses. There sure are lot of choices out there as far as transformers go. The good news is that almost any hobby shop has a box full of old single-set transformers, almost any of which will be adequate for at least a few accessories. I agree that, at bare minimum, the cord should be in good condition, and built-in circuit protection is a plus, but there are some other factors you might want to consider: - A built-in "accessories" tap on the transformer gives you *two* output voltages, with the throttle output being adjustable, and thus IMHO is worth a few extra bucks. - Except for static lighting, most accessories are used only occasionally, so you generally don't have to power *everything* at once, so even a smaller transformer may do. Doing your guesstimations and calculations up front may save you the cost of overengineering your accessory power supply(ies). - Also, if you *do* need differing voltages to optimally power your accessories, having multiple separate small transformers might give you more flexibility than one larger transformer, probably at a lower cost. - If any of your accessories have electronic components, you may want to consider adding fast-acting fuses or circuit breakers, and perhaps TVS diodes to protect against surges. Probably overkill for simple postwar accessories, but inexpensive protection nonetheless.
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Post by mgarcia1 on Feb 24, 2024 1:20:30 GMT
Great info. I took a look at eBay and the refurbed LWs are around $100. I'll check with my LHS this weekend. Thanks!
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Post by healey36 on Feb 24, 2024 13:06:13 GMT
Great info. I took a look at eBay and the refurbed LWs are around $100. I'll check with my LHS this weekend. Thanks! I've got a friend that refurbs Lionel packs; I'm not sure if he's still doing it or not, but he may have an LW in stock. Let me see if I can track him down. Paul Edit::Kent says he's still busy restoring/refurbishing/repairing toy transformers. Here's his contact info:
NMRA, TCA
Transformer Sales & Repair
www.Tranz4mr.com
Tranz4mr@gmail.com
Cell 303-718-2636
Reach out to him...he's a good guy and his work is great (IMHO).
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Post by mgarcia1 on Feb 24, 2024 17:58:01 GMT
Great info. I took a look at eBay and the refurbed LWs are around $100. I'll check with my LHS this weekend. Thanks! I've got a friend that refurbs Lionel packs; I'm not sure if he's still doing it or not, but he may have an LW in stock. Let me see if I can track him down. Paul Edit::Kent says he's still busy restoring/refurbishing/repairing toy transformers. Here's his contact info:
NMRA, TCA
Transformer Sales & Repair
www.Tranz4mr.com
Tranz4mr@gmail.com
Cell 303-718-2636
Reach out to him...he's a good guy and his work is great (IMHO).
Thank you so much. I definitely will. After doing more research and thinking about where I'd like to go with O gauge, I've been taking a serious look at the GW-180. It could take care of older accessories that I might want plus some new stuff along with multiple train layout with just the newer Lionchief+2.0 locomotives. Trying to decide if it's futureproofing or overkill.
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Post by mgarcia1 on Feb 25, 2024 0:27:25 GMT
I got lucky at a famous local shop and got an LW for cheap. The dial doesn't light up and the cord needs to be replaced. But my new to me 1997 Disney 197 radar antenna and 494 rotary beacon towers work using 14v. Very happy about this! Now to learn how to refurb the LW. Thanks all for the recommendations! If you're ever in San Diego, lookup Frank The Train Man. It's an cool experience. Attachments:
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Post by atsda on Feb 25, 2024 1:34:16 GMT
MGarcia1, welcome to the OGF. The advice given by steveoncattailcreek and healey36 is right on. To avoid train/accessory operating issues, make sure to have all of your transformers in phase. Those are nice accessories that you picked up. When you mentioned 'old', I thought you were going to say from the 1950's! Alfred - old man running old trains.
Senior Member
****
steveoncattailcreek Avatar
Posts: 251
MGarcia
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Post by rtraincollector on Feb 25, 2024 2:11:46 GMT
Hi All, First post. Hopefully I'm in the right board. I just recently acquired my first Lionchief starter set, and coming from N Scale, I think I'm hooked. So much so that I just made a preorder from the 2024 Lionel catalog for a LionChief+2.0 locomotive. The semi-scale size and features to price seems very reasonable to me to start out with. At a train show a few weeks back I acquired a 494 Rotary Beacon and a 197 Radar Antenna, both from 1997. They were a great deal and I figured I would deal with powering them later. From what I've read, the voltage needed for these is not be compatible with the FasTrack voltage for the Lionchief set. What is the best solution, and least cost, for powering older accessories if I cannot use track power at this time? I've thought about older power supplies but want to make sure it's something that safe. I've also read that there is apparently a bad batch of used CW80's out there that I should probably avoid. Thanks, Mike If you got hooked that easy, do not, I repeat, do not get any standard gauge LOL Here is one of mine. I started my collection last Dec. Here is a pic of a good portion  Welcome aboard
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Post by atsda on Feb 25, 2024 3:00:55 GMT
rtraincollector, I can't believe that you started S gauge that recently; not with that much equipment and refurburshing. Alfred
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Post by rtraincollector on Feb 25, 2024 15:27:48 GMT
rtraincollector, I can't believe that you started S gauge that recently; not with that much equipment and refurburshing. Alfred Please at least use SG when talking standard gauge as S will confuse people thinking of American Flyer S gauge which is about 1/3 the size. I seem to have this problem of liking something and going over board with it. At one time I discovered the prewar 810-820/2800-2820 serries which is almost scale like, I ended up having 10 of each type of car between the two serries.  I have slowed my self down quite a bit but still go over board. ) Oh yeah, my train room is a complete mess, I know. 
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Post by atsda on Feb 26, 2024 18:36:56 GMT
rtraincollector, Standard Gauge or SG it is. If you are still experiencing difficulty remember., you can call 1-800 SGA-STOP for help. Alfred
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I have slowed my self down quite a bit but still go over board. )