Product Title: Lionel Vintage / Postwar TRANSFORMER TYPE ZW 275 watt Refurbished-- Use at Own Risk-- for O SCALE trains
Manufacturer: Lionel
Scale: O
Condition: Item Condition: C-5, Box Condition P-0
Operational Status: This item has been refurbished by a Brady's Train Outlet technician, and is fully operational.
TCA Condition/Grading Standards: C-5: Good—Sign of Play Wear: scratches and minor paint loss. Small dents, minor surface rust. Evidence of heavy use.
Listing Notes: Appearance varies. Functional but may not look perfect or pristine. Do not use for modern trains. Use at own risk. This transformer may short out and cause damage. Brady's Train Outlet is not responsible for any damage caused by use of this transformer. Transformer may cause damage to property or trains; transformer should be attended at all times when in use as it could cause a fire. USE AT OWN RISK. Please note, this is a refurbished item. The repairman ensured that the whistle, diodes, handles, lightbulbs, cord, voltage, nuts, posts and more are all functional. Inside of transformer is cleaned. Non original parts / reproduction parts may have been used. NO box. whistle-- may not need to push whole way to use. AS IS with regards to appearance and use is at own risk.
Photos: See photos for representative item. Actual appearance may vary,
Manufacturer Information:
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 VW, 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.
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There are four variations:
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Variation A: 250 watt available power produced in 1948-49.
ZW Electrical Terminals
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.
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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.
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This transformer is in great demand today and a premium is paid for clean housings.