Lionel 6-31713 Southern Crescent Steam Passenger Train Set - What Works with Conventional Transformer?

I also have a CW-80 transformer as well with dedicated bell and whistle buttons.

If you search the lionel support site with the product number, you can find the instruction manual for the set.  I think you'll find that it is quite capable in a conventional transformer environment.  You'll get continuous sound, including a shutdown sequence, if you install a battery in the tender.  The whistle and bell buttons on a CW80 work just as expected.  I think the only thing you might really miss is the ability to fire the electrocoupler on the rear of the tender.  That only works in a command environment.

@Patrick Keistler posted:

If you search the lionel support site with the product number, you can find the instruction manual for the set.  I think you'll find that it is quite capable in a conventional transformer environment.  You'll get continuous sound, including a shutdown sequence, if you install a battery in the tender.  The whistle and bell buttons on a CW80 work just as expected.  I think the only thing you might really miss is the ability to fire the electrocoupler on the rear of the tender.  That only works in a command environment.

Good to hear!!

How would the shutdown sequence work with the conventional transformer? I'm also hoping using the bell and whistle buttons I can access crew talk? I'll try and find the manual tonight. The set arrives tomorrow!!

I'm pretty sure you just cut the power, and the battery in the tender keeps the railsounds alive until it is done playing the sequence.  Kinda like MTH protosound 1.  At least I think that's how it works...

Let us know how it goes tomorrow!

@Patrick Keistler posted:

I'm pretty sure you just cut the power, and the battery in the tender keeps the railsounds alive until it is done playing the sequence.  Kinda like MTH protosound 1.  At least I think that's how it works...

Let us know how it goes tomorrow!

Found the manual and you're right. The battery helps with shutdown sounds. The manual goes over the conventional transformer functions. I should be railroading shortly after it arrives.

ZW's are great but please don't use it to operate this set. The circuit breaker is 'slow' to protect your electronics in the locomotive and an accidental short sometime could likely fry the system in the tender or more.  Excellent fast breakers are available and highly recommended but be sure to add them BEFORE running your trains!

@c.sam posted:

ZW's are great but please don't use it to operate this set. The circuit breaker is 'slow' to protect your electronics in the locomotive and an accidental short sometime could likely fry the system in the tender or more.  Excellent fast breakers are available and highly recommended but be sure to add them BEFORE running your trains!

Duly noted!

I'm very novice in all of this. Can you explain what I'd need to protect running a zw?

"Can you explain what I'd need to protect running a zw?"

Most experts suggest something to prevent against over-current, a circuit breaker, preferably a fast acting electronic.  Someone will have a current model to suggest.  Probably in the range of $50 if I recall correctly.   

Another device is to prevent over-voltage, called a transient voltage suppressor (TVS).  These are inexpensive, a few bucks. Once again, someone will have a specific source for these.  Outside my expertise.