Hello,
I am finally in a position to be able to indulge myself and chase a bit of family history before its too late, and to pass along to the younger generation.

My Grandpap always had a second small Tree at Christmas in his basement, set up on a table with an O guage Lionel train and trolley around it, and what I remember most was the glorious double lever transformer that he used to run it.  And that I was NEVER allowed to run it, only push the button for the whistle. 

I recently chased down a Holiday tradition from my Mother's side of the family and it took me years, and now I am setting my sights on my Father's side of the family and the train set.  My beloved says just get one of the ones they make and sell now.  I say nooo wayyyy.  I want to something of the same era, or at least as close as I can get to it and I want to finally operate that transformer.   

Oh, I had larger (8' x 8') HO platforms, as I grew up but nothing that struck a note like that simple little set in my Grandpaps basement.   I do have a few model shops in my area  (Sarasota, FL).  The time would be in the '70's and I do not belive the set was new, so I am thinking it was a pre 1969 Lionel corp setup. 

I am looking to just get a simple oval set up under the tree, hopefully one that will accommodate both a train and trolley (I grew up in Pittsburgh and Trolleys were a way of life there).

SO I am looking for any advise on where and how to begin my search for a transformer with enough watts to run a small layout. (with some potential to grow)
 I know it was a ZW model. I see them rebuilt available, and I know enough about electricity to know it needs to be safely done.  Beyond that, an O Gauge locomotive of similar (pre'69?) vintage with a few cars and caboose, and another trolley track to configure as well.   

Any suggestions for where to start and what to look for would be greatly appreciated, and thank you in advance for your knowledge and attention.

Sam