ALCO PA

Probably marginal.  If you have the budget for the new engines, consider a real transformer.

Amps, Amps, Amps!    

If your device produces more current than the PAs draw, it will run them.   

The detail check is to run one unit with an ameter (or VOM set for amps) in line between the transformer and see how much amperage they use with a little drag on the wheels.    Then stop the wheels with your finger to determine the "stall rating".     The first value during running is the "continuous" rating and the second for stall is just that.   

Then if your CW80 is rated at a higher amperage than the continuous and stall ratings Or the stall if both not listed, it will safely run them.     IF you can't find a rating for CW80 in Amps, but have on in "VA" (volt-amps) divide that by 12 (assuming 12 volts running top speed) to see the amperage rating.     The "VA" is the voltage times the amps at each setting.     For example a 25 VA transformer will support 2 amps at 12.5 volts,

the quick and dirty simple test is to just try it.    All these modern devices have circuit breakers to protect against overload.   So if the CW80 will not handle it, the circuit breaker will shut it down until the load is reduced.

Ira Kase 090718 posted:

The newly released Lionel alco pa’s have engines in both the A and B units. Will a CW80 be powerful enough to run these engines?

The B units are not powered, however they do have sound and a smoke unit.

Both A units are powered of course.