Hook up my new to me KW Lionel transformer

[mowman24]

I just got a Lionel KW multi control Trainmaster transformer, and I believe it is pretty self explanatory where to hook the wires I would like confirmation..It came with a photo copy of the original owners manual, the page with the hooking to track instructions is such small print that even with a really good magnifying glass nobody can read it. tried to blow it up but then to fuzzy to read..
Hoping someone could help me out
All I really need to know is which terminals to hook the 2 track wires to

 

[Bruette]

1. Safety First: Ensure the transformer is unplugged before you begin any connections. Never leave the transformer unattended when plugged in.
2. Identify Terminals: The KW transformer has several terminals:
   • A and B: Variable voltage outputs.
   • U: Common ground for A and B.
   • C and D: Fixed voltage outputs.
   • U: Common ground for C and D.
3. Connect Track Wires:
   • For a single track, connect one wire from the track to terminal A and another wire to terminal U.
   • For a second track, connect one wire from the track to terminal B and another wire to terminal U.
4. Accessory Connections:
   • Connect accessories to terminals C and D for fixed voltage.
5. Check Connections: Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure and correct.
6. Power Up: Plug in the transformer and slowly increase the throttle to test the connections.

https://ogrforum.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/36766448362458339/filePointer/39441157213333430/fodoid/39441157213333426/LIONEL%20KW%20Transformer%20manual.pdf

The link above is to the KW manual in pdf form. You can download it, save it, and print it.

 

[Mixed Freight]

The Lionel KW should be great as is for prewar, postwar, and MPC-era locos with Pullmor motors. However, for modern-day 3-rail locos with advanced electronic boards, you really need additional protection so in case of a short (such as a derailment, or a metal object falling on the rails, etc.), the sudden electric shock and/or voltage spike doesn't fry your locomotive's electronics board. While the transformer may have an internal circuit breaker, it only protects the transformer itself and generally doesn't trip fast enough to protect the modern locos' circuit boards.

This additional protection basically consists of fast-acting circuit breaker and a TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diode on each throttle powering a track. Therefore, a KW transformer with an "A" and "B" throttle would require two of these sets, one set for each throttle. A ZW transformer would require four of these sets if powering 4 tracks. On the other hand, some ZW owners only use the "A" and "B" throttles to power two tracks, and the "C" and "D" throttles to power accessories. In this case then, they could get by with only 2 sets of breakers/diodes if so desired.

Various on-line or brick and mortar electronics stores may carry a variety of suitable fast-acting breakers and TVS diodes. And of course there are sellers on ebay that offer items that will work. A quick Google search yielded this for one........ Lionel Postwar Transformer Circuit Protection
Just remember, no matter where you buy from, you will need one circuit breaker and one TVS diode for each throttle that powers a track. Just make sure they will work on AC current. Especially the TVS diodes, as they can be purchased for either AC or DC, and you will want an AC type.

Just trying to make folks aware of this in case they don't already know. Hope this helps.

 

[Bruette]

The Lionel KW should be great as is for prewar, postwar, and MPC-era locos with Pullmor motors. However, for modern-day 3-rail locos with advanced electronic boards, you really need additional protection so in case of a short (such as a derailment, or a metal object falling on the rails, etc.), the sudden electric shock and/or voltage spike doesn't fry your locomotive's electronics board. While the transformer may have an internal circuit breaker, it only protects the transformer itself and generally doesn't trip fast enough to protect the modern locos' circuit boards.

This additional protection basically consists of fast-acting circuit breaker and a TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diode on each throttle powering a track. Therefore, a KW transformer with an "A" and "B" throttle would require two of these sets, one set for each throttle. A ZW transformer would require four of these sets if powering 4 tracks. On the other hand, some ZW owners only use the "A" and "B" throttles to power two tracks, and the "C" and "D" throttles to power accessories. In this case then, they could get by with only 2 sets of breakers/diodes if so desired.

Various on-line or brick and mortar electronics stores may carry a variety of suitable fast-acting breakers and TVS diodes. And of course there are sellers on ebay that offer items that will work. A quick Google search yielded this for one........ Lionel Postwar Transformer Circuit Protection
Just remember, no matter where you buy from, you will need one circuit breaker and one TVS diode for each throttle that powers a track. Just make sure they will work on AC current. Especially the TVS diodes, as they can be purchased for either AC or DC, and you will want an AC type.

Just trying to make folks aware of this in case they don't already know. Hope this helps.

Paul, you are correct!