How do you connect a ZW Transformer to train set?

David Rien

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Sep 18, 1998, 3:00:00 AM9/18/98

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I am 47 years old and am getting ready to set up my Lionel train set that my father bought for
me back in around 1957. The trains are from a basic beginner set nothing special, but I do
have a ZW Transformer that I had serviced about three years ago and was told it works fine. I
just have no idea how to connect the trains to the transformer since I can't find an
instruction manual anywhere. Can someone help me?

Thank you,

David

dr...@erols.com

TRAINMAN9

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Sep 19, 1998, 3:00:00 AM9/19/98

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Go to a hobby shop and buy a Lionel Lock-ON. Attach wires to it and you are
ready to go.
Cost about $ 2.50 or just solder the wires if you don't want to go to this
simple expense. Solder one wire to the center rail and one wire to either of
the outside rails.

JerAlbin

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Sep 19, 1998, 3:00:00 AM9/19/98

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Attach one wire to "U" terminal of trans. and to outer rail. Attach one wire to
"A,B,C orD" terminal (you choose) of trans. and to center rail.

David Rien

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Sep 22, 1998, 3:00:00 AM9/22/98

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David Rien

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Sep 22, 1998, 3:00:00 AM9/22/98

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Phil Hartung

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Sep 22, 1998, 3:00:00 AM9/22/98

to David Rien

The back of the ZW has 8 terminal posts - A, B, C, D on the top row, and 4
"U" posts below the A-D posts. All the U's are connected together. A and
D are outputs from the large handles at each end of the ZW. B and C are
the inner controls.

On my lionel layout, A controls the main track, D controls the storage
siding (and some on/off switches), B controls power to the turnouts and
signals, D contrls power to the one lighted accessory.

Phil

On Tue, 22 Sep 1998, David Rien wrote:

> Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1998 13:35:19 GMT
> From: David Rien <dr...@erols.com>
> Newsgroups: rec.models.railroad
> Subject: How do you connect a ZW Transformer to train set?

Phil Hartung prha...@ouray.cudenver.edu
Westminster, Colorado, USA Electrical Engineer
Model Railroading is Fun!!!!! Submarine Veteran
NMRA #112321, Rocky Mtn. Region, Flatirons Div., Boulder MR Club.

Michael Bowler

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Sep 22, 1998, 3:00:00 AM9/22/98

to David Rien

David Rien wrote:
>
> I am 47 years old and am getting ready to set up my Lionel train set that my father bought for
> me back in around 1957. The trains are from a basic beginner set nothing special, but I do
> have a ZW Transformer that I had serviced about three years ago and was told it works fine. I
> just have no idea how to connect the trains to the transformer since I can't find an
> instruction manual anywhere. Can someone help me?
>

I have a Lionel set from the same period. I am assuming a three rail system.
Connect one terminal of the transformer to the center rail, and the other
terminal to either of the outer rails. The resistance of the old Lionel
track is reasonably high so you have to make these connections every few feet
around the layout. If you notice that the train is slowing down in any part,
add another connection in this area. With the three rail system, reversing
loops and wyes do not need any special wiring, just ensure that you are always
consistent when connecting outer and inner rail connections.

To connect wires to the rails, I had some connectors which snapped onto the
track and wires were simply inserted into push terminals in them. This allowed
for really easy daisy-chaining around the length of the layout. Another method,
(which does not look so intrusive) is to simply solder leads to the underside of
the rails.

Of course, if you plan to run more than one train simultaneously, this gets a
little more complicated.

Feel free to email me if you have any further questions.

Cheers,
--
Michael Bowler Phone: 613-765-3432
IC Design Tools - 5T11 ESN: 39+53432
Nortel Semiconductors Email: mkbo...@nt.com

Cardi22

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Sep 22, 1998, 3:00:00 AM9/22/98

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yes this is true but you failed to mension "U"
outside rails "A-D" center rail [when using Lionel track] need more info about
getting started ? cardi22@aol