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Lionel Cw 80 Transformer Questions & Answers
Lionel Trainmaster KW 190 Watt Transformer
The Lionel postwar 190watt transformer is an excellent power supply for trains. If one or more of the binding posts are loose ("U,A,B,C,D" Terminals") you will need to replace the binding post, use a T-159 replacement Binding Post. The original posts are soldered and crimped on.
The T-159 replacement binding post is bolted on. UNPLUG THE TRANSFORMER Carefully pull/pry up the handles and remove them remove the 4 Philips screws on the top, lift off the case top, the binding posts stay with the body of the KW.
Remove the loose bindings post one at a time as needed. Be sure to get any wire reattached. Reverse the procedure to reassemble.
CW 80 -Direction button doesn't work
Recent Lionel transformers are notorious for their issues. Put an old fashioned reverse switch into the circuit, an old Lionel 88 will do the wire to terminal 1 of the lockon or the wire tothe center rail needs to be cut and attached to the 2 terminals of the 88 reverse switch. Note this is ancient technology from the 30s to 50s
How to remove the red handle and how to get to the fuses
You can't. These transformers aren't user serviceable. You can thank the Federal Government for that. If you can find the special tool to remove the case, you'll be able to open the transformer. For service, contact Lionel customer service or take the transformer to a Lionel Service Center.
My transformer did not work
The internal fuse is probably blown. Contact Lionel at Lionel.com for instructions on how to get a replacement.
Lionel Train transformer goes full throttle only
Sounds like the "variable resistor" that allows for a variable speed is either defective, or has become corroded on it's switch contacts. You might get lucky with some electrical contact cleaner spray and spraying it in or around the variable speed switch. Otherwise, I'd just invest in a new transformer.
My cw-80 Lionel transformer has
The CW-80 is not suited for electronic sound systems. The output is non-sinusoidal. When electronic sounds are generated for some locos, the sound will be garbled. Use another power source. The Z1000 MTH power source or similar is recommended as are many other older Lionel standard power xfmrs. For the sound stay on problem with switch off, try putting a fixed load on the tracks ie: An accessory of some kind (lights etc). Usually a fixed electrical load will fix this problem. Overall, I would recommend changing out the power source and save yourself a lot of headache..
Can I use the cw-80 transformer on any Lionel
You should be able to. The Lionel transformers all put out AC power, not DC and many Marx and American Flyer transformers will work too. The real question is total amount of power being drawn and whether or not you have the wattage to match your engine and accessories. With the CW-80 though, it should put out plenty. I run my pre-war 1666E engine pulling a full compliment of metal cars with no problems using a CW-80.
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