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Post by edlloyd on Dec 24, 2020 4:21:00 GMT
I noticed that Lionel has a NEW and IMPROVED CW80 transformer coming out soon. It appears to look the same so I am guessing there are changes on the inside. Does anyone know?
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Post by harborbelt70 on Dec 24, 2020 12:41:46 GMT
I think that the answer will only be in the specs, which I have not seen. In my experience the CW-80 really doesn’t deliver enough watts for many high feature engines (multiple smoke units in particular) or satisfactorily to run more than one or two big engines at a time. There does not appear to be a change in this spec because the “new and improved” version on Lionel’s website is still rated at 80 watts, true to its name.
Maybe any improvement is in something else in the electronics. I know lots of people use CW-80s successfully for small layouts and I’ve thought for a long time that it’s unsatisfactory for there to be such a big jump in cost between it and more powerful transformers. I swear by the 180 watt bricks that Lionel has offered from time to time; my CW-80, which is quite old, only sees duty as an accessory power source.
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Post by ptc on Dec 24, 2020 13:32:02 GMT
I would not hang my hat on this one. Much better options than 80 watts.
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Post by edlloyd on Dec 24, 2020 16:18:12 GMT
Well my layouts have always been on the smaller side. 4'x8'. I do run multiple tracks with different trains but each track gets its own transformer. Guess thats why I have been doing ok. My plan next year is to expand. PTC you mentioned better options. Can you share? A new transformer is on my list for things to get in 2021. Anyone else have thoughts on this one?
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Post by Yellowstone Special on Dec 24, 2020 16:44:47 GMT
Lionel’s CW80s have worked well over the years and I don’t know how they could be improved. I too, have a smaller layout consisting of 2 independent loops running on 2 4 x 8 and 1 4 x 6 tables. Each loop has its own CW80 with no problems.
Awhile back I tried replacing them with Lionel’s newer ZW-L which is a huge, heavy monster and strained the supports of my control panel with its weight. I liked it as a transformer, but it was just too much for what I need.
So I put the CW80s back which makes it easier and leaves more room on the control panel. Having read about potential problems with them, I went ahead and obtained the special triangular screwdriver along with a couple of extra fuses and cooling fans for them just in case, all of which were inexpensive. So far, I’ve never had to use any of them.
Anyway, the CW80s have worked well for me.
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Post by firewood on Dec 27, 2020 17:25:47 GMT
I have four units for my 10' x 13' layout, two MTH Z-1000s and two CW80s. One CW80 died for no apparent reason, and with the other I have no steady speed on a level layout - locomotives have speed surges and slowdowns. Operation with the two MTH Z-1000s is much smoother. If Lionel has "improved" the CW80s, OK but I won't be buying any.
FW
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Post by Yellowstone Special on Dec 27, 2020 22:12:33 GMT
Funny thing with my 9 year old layout. I’ve gone from 2 CW80s to an MTH Z-4000, back to the same 2 CW80s, then to a Lionel ZW-L, and back to the same 2 CW-80s again. They just work better on my layout.
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Post by dennym57 on Dec 27, 2020 23:12:19 GMT
The only thing use a CW for is lights and turn outs. I run my trains with postwar.
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Post by joeh on Dec 28, 2020 3:17:22 GMT
I have 2 CW80s running 2 loops on my TMCC 5x8 layout, and 3 others running 2 Christmas layouts and 1 postwar Flyer layout. A few of them I got for $35. each.
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Post by edlloyd on Dec 30, 2020 2:16:57 GMT
I think I will get one of the new and improved CW80's later in the year. Hopefully the price isn't new and higher.
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