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Post by Adam on Nov 3, 2024 17:08:49 GMT
I'm switching back to conventional operations. I just find it more fun.
To facilitate this switch over, I am looking at transformers and the one that seems to be the top of the heap is the Lionel ZW-L. It has 620 Watts of power, can run up to 4 trains at once and seems to meet all of my criteria.
But of course, she ain't cheap, at around $950 give or take.
I thought I would ask the OGF brain trust, before plunking down this amount of dough. Is it worth that price?
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Post by david1 on Nov 3, 2024 17:15:12 GMT
I would go with the MTH Z4000, A great transformer with plenty of power. Although no longer made you should be able to find one new or Like new.
The ZW-L is a fine transformer but it is pricy.
Dave
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Post by superwarp1 on Nov 3, 2024 17:15:38 GMT
I remember a time when transformers were a dollar a watt or less. I would suggest a power master or TPC300/400 before spending that kind of money but it sounds like you want a throttle not a remote?
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Post by trainman9 on Nov 3, 2024 18:25:51 GMT
I'm switching back to conventional operations. I just find it more fun. To facilitate this switch over, I am looking at transformers and the one that seems to be the top of the heap is the Lionel ZW-L. It has 620 Watts of power, can run up to 4 trains at once and seems to meet all of my criteria. But of course, she ain't cheap, at around $950 give or take. I thought I would ask the OGF brain trust, before plunking down this amount of dough. Is it worth that price?
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Post by Adam on Nov 4, 2024 12:05:29 GMT
Found a few MTH Z4000 online. The few remaining new were upwards of $800, but a few used were sub-$500.
This will be a tough decision. I like that the ZW-L is still in production and will be supported for time to come. But the price is crazy high IMO.
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Post by trainman9 on Nov 4, 2024 14:55:24 GMT
Found a few MTH Z4000 online. The few remaining new were upwards of $800, but a few used were sub-$500. This will be a tough decision. I like that the ZW-L is still in production and will be supported for time to come. But the price is crazy high IMO.
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Post by madockawando on Nov 4, 2024 15:04:01 GMT
I am very happy with my ZW-L. It runs two loops plus accessories without breaking a sweat.
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Post by Adam on Nov 4, 2024 15:04:09 GMT
Thanks. I just did that and see that Charles Ro, who is nearby, has them for about 875, so not bad. I am thinking to wait until I go the Amherst show to buy one. Might get a good deal there.
Decided on the ZW-L.
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Post by dennym57 on Nov 4, 2024 15:28:21 GMT
We have three at the club. They provide plenty of power for the entire layout.
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na
New Member
Posts: 7
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Post by na on Nov 4, 2024 17:32:30 GMT
The ZW-l looked very impressive, but I didn't like how it ran trains in conventional mode compared to my old postwar ZW. Many of my engines with electronic sounds had a faint buzzing sound that could always be heard with the ZW-l. After some research online, I found out it has something to do with the ZW-l modifying the electrical waves from your outlet to the track. I stuck with my old postwar Zw.
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Post by superwarp1 on Nov 4, 2024 18:53:16 GMT
Thanks. I just did that and see that Charles Ro, who is nearby, has them for about 875, so not bad. I am thinking to wait until I go the Amherst show to buy one. Might get a good deal there. Decided on the ZW-L. We really Need to do a OGF meet and greet during the show.
I was going to give a warning, on the Z4000, there's a certain production range you need to stay away from. Sadly I don't know what that is. Early in production I would figure.
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Post by Adam on Nov 4, 2024 19:48:59 GMT
Thanks. I just did that and see that Charles Ro, who is nearby, has them for about 875, so not bad. I am thinking to wait until I go the Amherst show to buy one. Might get a good deal there. Decided on the ZW-L. We really Need to do a OGF meet and greet during the show.
I was going to give a warning, on the Z4000, there's a certain production range you need to stay away from. Sadly I don't know what that is. Early in production I would figure.
A meet and greet would be fun. I plan to be there on Saturday.
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Post by Country Joe on Nov 4, 2024 20:39:32 GMT
Adam, if running conventional means no engines with fancy electronics why not go with a ZW? You can buy 2 ZWs for way less than half the price of a ZW-L and have plenty of power to run trains and power lots of accessories.
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Post by rtraincollector on Nov 4, 2024 20:48:08 GMT
Adam sent you a message
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