Larry, I re-powered an AF 2 track set using 2 Lionel transformers - Model 6-14003. This is the 80 watt Transformer/Controller.
If you can, get a new Lionel ZW, the ones I bought look sort of wimpy. I put the originals aside because I got tired of maintaining them. The trains run much smoother with the modern technology and the transformers are virtually maintenance free. I prefer the Lionel modular approach to power: for more power just add more "power bricks" for the higher end transformer models. There is an issue with the power brick phasing that has been addressed in CTT small articles and in the OGR group on the WWW. The transformer box is just a throttle now (mostly empty) and the bricks provide all the real juice. With MTH, the transformer box still houses the main transformer unit. They originally had real UL qualification problems with the case design and the Watts they wanted to pump out, but it was resolved. The AF trains ran much smoother - especially at lower speeds when lining up the cars to the accessories. There is an issue with action cars that you need to be aware of: The Base post current to the flyer track was always on and therefore was available fro use by the metal wheels used on the action cars. The outside pick up shoe picked up the complementary electricity from the pick up rail touched by the shoe. The pick up rail is activated by the action controller button. To use action cars, such as the cow car, we had to leave the Lionel transformer on full, with the engine in "neutral". This is because the Lionel transformer did not power the "Base Post" track connection when the transformer is throttled off. I am usually not a huge Lionel fan, but I think Mike and others (MRC) missed the boat on this one (power). I always prefer modular approaches to expensive equipment to leave me room to grow or shrink depending on the situation. I am mulling over converting some Flyer fix up engines to TMCC (ala Carl Tuvenson) and hope that Lionel uses USB digital connections (the new PC standard) for all its digital control wiring. I suspect this to be true, since Lionel told CTT that it is planning to mix a lot of exciting computer capability in its future TMCC product. I am envious of the new TMCC crane car... I am sure that others in the group have an opinion that may present different views, but I believe that the newer transformers are far superior in performance, safer and more cost effective than the counter part 1950s transformers. Just take off the Lionel sticker and put on a big ole American Flyer sticker from the usual suspects (vendors). Besides, do you really want to listen to that charming humming all the time... Silence is a strange thing... I ran my first engine with an electronic e-unit and kept waiting for the coil noise to guide me... Scott Dee -----Original Message----- From: Larry Asp [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2003 4:47 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [S-Trains] Best Transformer to use ? What is the best transformer/s to use with the Lionel American Flyer engines. S-Trains list sponsor: http://www.americanflyertrains.com All the Flyer you desire...books and accessories too! To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list send a note to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
