OTTP's free online library of Lionel Service Information. It contains the following sections: Lionel Postwar Locomotives, Lionel Postwar Accessories, Lionel Postwar Non-Op Cars, Lionel Postwar Op Cars, Lionel Postwar Pass Cars, Lionel Loco Service Info, Lionel Transformers, Lionel RC Track, Lionel Service Tools, Lionel Trucks and Couplers, Lionel Whistles/Tenders, Lamps, Lionel O. Lionel trains transformer type zw The Lionel Type ZW Transformer was the largest that was issued during the post war period and is listed at 275 watts. This transformer would operate four individual trains on four variable voltage circuits, however the two inner controls were usually used for accessories and these have no whistle or directional. Classic Toy Trains magazine offers information about toy trains operating and collecting, toy train product news and reviews, toy train layout tips, toy train layout designs and track plans, and more. We feature Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Atlas O, Williams Trains, K-Line, Weaver Models, and more.

1. Lionel Kw Manual

The Lionel ZW is Lionel’s most iconic transformer of the 1950s and 1960s, and perhaps one of its most iconic products, period. Everyone wanted the two-handled, football-shaped, 275-watt powerhouse that was the ZW.

Lionel Kw Manual

It was one of Lionel’s more venerable postwar products, lasting on the market for 18 years from 1948 to 1966. It replaced Lionel’s former top-of-the-line transformer, the Z. Finding original ZW instructions or an original ZW manual online is a bit difficult, but there’s plenty the original instructions don’t mention. The Lionel ZW has four sets of variable outputs, four throttles, two whistle/direction controls, a power light, and a short circuit light. The ZW is just like any other transformer in that you need to before you use it. Also, although a lot of people forget to mention this, it’s important to unplug or otherwise disconnect the power when you’re not using it.

I have my transformers plugged into a power strip with an on/off switch so I can switch them all on and off at once. The ZW is cheaper today than it was even a decade ago. Modern transformers with higher wattages put a dent in the ZW’s market and resale value. That said, the ZW is still an excellent transformer. Pair up a ZW with one of Lionel’s better postwar locomotives like a, and you’ll understand postwar Lionel’s enduring appeal.

Sell for $125-$150. As-is or untested can sell for less than $100, depending on what’s missing. A modern-production Lionel ZW-L sells for several hundred dollars.

Lights and pinout The ZW has two lights. The green light is the power indicator. If the transformer is plugged in, you should expect this light to light. The red light is a short-circuit indicator.

Normally you should expect this light to be off. The ZW has four sets of posts on the back. Posts A-U and D-U correspond to the two big handles on each end. U is the common post, which goes to the outer rail. Posts B-U and C-U correspond to the two smaller dial controls next to the bigger throttles.

Unlike many other Lionel transformers, all of the ZW’s outputs are variable. It doesn’t have any fixed-voltage outputs. Although a ZW can run other makes of trains, be very careful with a ZW and Marx or American Flyer trains. ZWs can output 20-21 volts, which is well above the 15 volt maximum that Marx and American Flyer motors are designed to handle. Use a if you’re going to run non-Lionel trains.

Controls The two large handles on either side normally control your trains. The levers next to the throttle control the direction and the whistle. Push the lever forward to activate the whistle, and pull the lever back to interrupt power and change direction.

Unlike the slightly smaller KW, the ZW can activate both whistles simultaneously if you wish. The two smaller dial controls are less convenient to use for trains and they don’t have a whistle capability or a direction button. To change the train’s direction, you have to turn them down to 0 volts and then back up. Because of this, a lot of people use B-U and C-U for accessories and the other two handles for trains. That said, if you want to run four trains off a ZW, you can.

You should consider one thing before you power accessories with a ZW. When the carbon rollers never roll, they tend to become brittle. The best way to prevent that is to adjust the voltage up or down a half volt every once in a while.

Or you can power your accessories with something else. A is ideal, or you can even use a. Common repairs The most common problem I see on the ZW is broken binding posts, which cuts off power to one or more of the controls. There’s an, and a.

The is a less common repair, but not expensive. The whistle control can also get a bit wimpy. You can fix that by replacing the old rectifier discs with diodes, which is something I’ll cover in the near future. Variations Early ZW transformers from 1948-49 had a 250-watt rating, the same as a Z. They also output slightly higher voltage than later ZWs, with a range of about 7-21 volts.

In 1950, Lionel released a revised version with a 275-watt rating. Its voltage output is about 6.5-20 volts. In 1957, Lionel revised the design again. The ZW-R doesn’t say “R” anywhere on the transformer itself, but the changes made it easier to assemble and theoretically, a ZW-R hums less than an earlier ZW.

Lionel also made a VW transformer from 1948-1949. It looks just like a ZW but has a smaller 150-volt rating. Aside from that the Lionel VW is just like a less powerful ZW, with four variable outputs and direction and whistle controls just for the outer handles. The modern-production ZW-L outputs 620 watts. Unlike its vintage predecessor, it has voltage and amperage gauges. Lionel’s release of the ZW-L is one of the reasons vintage ZWs cost less today.

These pages are best viewed at 1024 x 768 x 32 bit monitor resolution This Identification Guide for Lionel Electric Trains covers the 'Post-war Era' only from 1945 until 1969. LIONEL TRAINS TRANSFORMER TYPE ZW The Lionel Type ZW Transformer was the largest that was issued during the post war period and is listed at 275 watts. This transformer would operate four individual trains on four variable voltage circuits, however the two inner controls were usually used for accessories and these have no whistle or directional controls. Has both power and short circuit light indicators.

The ZW has the same case as the Type, but internally it is completely different. Produced from 1948 until 1966, early units would have a Bakelite circuit breaker which is more reliable than the later produced wafer-type.

There are four variations: Variation A: 250 watt available power produced in 1948-49. Variation B: 275 watt available power. Earlier editions of this variation came with a bakelite circuit breaker. Reproduction bakelite circuit breakers are available. Produced 1950 to 1956.

Variation C: 275 watt available power. This is the ZW(R) variation. Although the exterior appears the same, major internal changes were made to this version to facilitate easier assembly. For the first few years this variation was manufactured, they were stamped on the bottom plate 'ZW(R).'

Produced 1957 until 1966. Variation D: 275 watt available power. Los Angeles, California and Cleveland, Ohio had their own electrical statutes in place. To sell this transformer to these markets it was neccessary to receive the approval of these cites.

Transformers sold during the period 1952 to 1958 in these cities were marked with a special decal on the bottom, and the boxes were over stamped with either an 'LA' or 'C.' A premium is added to this variation for units whose decal matches the box over stamp. This transformer is in great demand today and a premium is paid for clean housings.