Happy Thanksgiving to all! I'm considering purchasing a Lionel BW-80 transformer. Any good or bad reviews from the forum would be appreciated.
Joe
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They work fine for me. I have 1 and it's been reliable.
If you meant to say CW80...I have 5...2 running my small TMCC layout, 2 running 2 Christmas layouts, and 1 running accessories (you can set the output). I've not had trouble with one (knock on wood). Because they are not "macho", you can pick them up for $25-$40. at train shows.
The BW-80 was the better precursor to the CW-80. It's a properly wired, dependable, useful transformer.
Jon 
I've got both, never had problems with any of them. I would agree that the BW seems a theoriticaly better design in having the transformer separate from the contoller. However many seem to like the compactness of the later unit.
Interesting that the new CW-180 appears to be a BW with a more powerful transformer "Brick". Though I'm sure there are internal differences to deal with the higher thru-put.
I have a BW and it has been extremely reliable. I use it often and it has never failed me once.
The BW is fine, and a tremendous value compared to the higher output GW-180. I wouldn't place a premium on it over a recent CW, though, with a $45-50 street price from set break-ups.
