Since Lionel’s beginning in 1900, every train has been powered by electricity. In order for your locomotives to run, they need to be powered by a transformer or wall pack that connects directly to the track. Lionel offers many power options that fit your model railroading needs.
There are 3 tiers to layout power that are determined by your layout’s needs:
Entry-level #
This includes DC wall-packs and the AC-powered CW80. These transformers are perfect for those starting in the hobby, operating only a couple of trains at one time. The CW80 is also the perfect transformer for powering a layout’s accessories.
Mid-Tier #
For those with moderate-sized layouts looking to expand on a budget, the PowerHouse 180 and GW180 are perfect power upgrades to run numerous locomotives at time. The PowerHouse 180 is designed for command-controlled layouts where power is either on or off. The GW180 gives conventional control of a PowerHouse 180 and also provides a separate constant-voltage accessory output.
Both products output AC power.
High-end #
The top-tier transformer product is the ZW-L. This transformer was designed to meet any and all model train layout needs. This product outputs AC power.
What do I need? #
The following chart lists example train layouts and recommended power products to meet those needs.
| Example Layout | Power Recommendation |
| Loop of track around a Christmas tree with a single engine, 1 to 2 operating/lighted accessories | -DC Wall Pack included with Ready-to-Run set -72W DC Wall Pack -CW80 |
| Small-sized layout: 1 to 2 powered switches, 1 to 3 engines, 1 to 3 operating/lighted accessories | -72W DC Wall Pack -CW80 |
| Medium-sized layout: 1 to 8 powered switches, 1 to 7 engines, 1 to 8 accessories | -PH180 -GW180 |
| Large-sized layout: 8+ switches, 8+ engines, 8+ operating/lighted accessories | -2+ PH180 -2+ GW180 -ZW-L |
| Accessory power only (bus line): 1 to 9 powered switches and/or operating/lighted accessories | CW80 |
| Accessory power only (bus line): 10+ powered switches and/or operating/lighted accessories | GW180 |
Note: for connecting accessories to power, we recommend the Plug-Expand-Play system.
