So for the last several years I've been running a 1959 Lionel set from the Space and Military series around the Christmas tree It belonged to my Dad when he was a kid. I had been using a CW-80 transformer I purchased in 2008 I think off of Ebay.
We just now purchased a Lionel Polar Express set to run on the same track so the kids could play with something a bit more fun. This also came with a CW-80.
The problem is that with my "old" CW-80, I can't get the PE set to go into reverse. If I use the 'Direction' button, it will briefly stop and then restart heading in the same direction.
So I then hooked up the "new" CW-80 on my track. I was able to get reverse to work fine. Pushing the button, the train will stop and then lights will come on but it won't move. Pressing the button a 2nd time will cause the lights to go out briefly and then it will head in the opposite direction. Just as I would expect it to operate.
I would just use the new CW-80 and be done, but...there are issues with it.
- First, the power level controller is not linear. When I raise the lever to where 0% is just showing, the train will jump and start to move rather quickly. Then as I move to 30%, the train will basically slow and stop. Past 30%, it will jump and then begin to linearly go faster.
- Second, the "Whistle" center button on the new CW-80 will not operate. The button itself seems to be in the depressed state like it is stuck in the down position. But there is no audible whistle.
- Third, my accessories on my layout hooked up to the 'Accessory' terminals flash at a steady rate. Can't stand it.
- Fourth, my switches won't operate correctly with this new CW-80. They barely move.
So...do I have a defective new CW-80 that came in the Polar Express set? Seems so.
And then...why won't my old CW-80 cause the train to go in reverse?
Thanks!
Tom
