Lionel Cw 80 Transformer - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

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

From a top view there is a dot near a pin. That pin is #1 and numbering proceeds counterclockwise from 1 to 8. Pin 1 is the ground. You can see the article on Wikipedia for other info, if needed

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.

Looking at auction pictures, I'm going to say that odds are the fuse is located in the main unit. You can pick up those tamper proof screwdrivers at Harbor Freight pretty cheap. Please make sure that you've properly discharged the unit before attempting any repairs.

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.

see attached pdf: http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/71-4198-251.pdf

5 amps

Lionel Service Manuals 501 Aluminum Rico Station PDF

On the base of the transformer you will find 4 tamper proof screws that you will need to remove to open the case. A triangular blade screwdriver will be need to do this. Once removed the tamper proof screws can be replaced with self tapping screws. Silverhill Tools ASDTR1 Triangle Screwdriver

The internal fuse is probably blown. Contact Lionel at Lionel.com for instructions on how to get a replacement.

The voltage regulator is part LM78L05. You might want to check the two diodes are ok as well 'D1' & 'D2', sadly I can't see markings on them.

Yes. Find a Lionel repair shop or bring it to a local hobby store that does model train repairs. You can contact Lionel for a list of repair shops.

Open up the transformer and make sure the terminal has not become disconnected from the power wire. Sometimes from use the terminal becomes unattached inside the casing.

First check your track with a multimeter for track power voltage & continuity.Second, clean your wheels & pick up roller on your locomotive.Third, clean your track.

Yes, I think so. It is connected via a rectifier diode to the transformer 18V output.

New wire and plugs are available at chuckstrains.com , they can also tell you how to get into it

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.

Is it old if so there is ur eason also it could be shortige of track or did you put stuff on it

Answer a number of questions:
Is the tranformer power adequate for the train and is it a working tranformer?
Will the train run by connecting the wires directly to the two points of the train (wheels and center rail connector)?
Are the tracks new?
Is the lockon new?

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..