Lionel ZW 275 or something else?

Brian R

New Member
I am brand new to the world of O-Guage trains. Now after one season with one oval, I have a plan layout that will have three trains. I have no knowledge of all my options but I have seen a lot of Lionel ZW 275's for sale. Does this transformer allow me to run all three trains independintley? How about bell and whistle controls? Are there older moldels of this unit that I should stay away from? Or is there other makes and models that would be a better investment? I would like to keep the budget under $200 so I guess I am in the market for used. Any sugestions and or opions would be helpful.
Thanks Brian:)
 

jon-monon

Active Member
Welcome to the-gauge Brian. I'll see if I can find a helpful O scaler, since I don't know O. I just know it's big :D :D :D
 

silver

New Member
The ZW is the most powerful of the old lionel transformers. Many people swore by them because they were more powerful than anything new that could be built according to Gov't regulations. In the last few years the manufactures in this scale have made replicas by side stepping the limits with more high tech do-dads. So the once highly valued transformers may be back on the market. If you want to keep prices low go for the older one if you can find one it will cost less and provide more power than anything else for the price.

The ZW was made to power and control two trains at a time. It has whistle and horn buttons. If you want to control another I advise getting another transformer. Actually I also advise the Greenburg toy train wiring guides as well. There are three and they demonstate different ways to wire you layout to do block control so two trains can be separately contolled on the same track or automatic control, fun stuff.

These are all older electronics in the transformer that are pretty high powered so be careful. The first thing to do is look at the cord if it is old of frayed do not use it.The best place to get one would be a store or train show that can test it and demonstate it in front of you. Have the one you are buying tested.

Good luck with your project.
 
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