Lionel CW80 revisons - and how to know the difference?

I know I read some where the answer but can't find it on a search.

 

Something about date codes and a  G on the bottom in front of the serial number was the better one ?????? I think.

 

I did find this remark:

date codes on each of the CW-80 transformers? Different dates had different internal wiring schemes that affect common ground wiring.

 

Larry

CW80's with a "G" before the date code (such as G0412) are the "revised" models, with the black terminals as ground.  You can find this code on the bottom of the case.

Thanks Mike!  If the black terminals aren't ground on the older CW80's - is there a ground?

 

Did this revision make them "pure sine-wave", which is mentioned in a number of posts. 

 

Some posts I read mentioned the early CW80 didn't go to zero power when the throttle was closed, which caused problems with E-unit recycling. 

 

Alan

 

Alan,

I use four CW80s to run my layout and they have performed flawlessly. Below I have included some pictures that SuperOtrack Don posted over on the Yahoo Fastrack group. They show how to run power to your layout from both the old and new type of CW80 and the revision numbering.

I also posted a picture of my old model, with bell and whistle signs reversed above the buttons. I just printed them on my computer and covered with maptack.

 

To answer yourother questions, both models are chopped sine wave as are all new Lionel transformers and power packs. Also I have had no problem with the CW80 not cycling E units.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Jay in Ottawa

Further update has "QC50-OK" sticker. This denotes the 50Hz compatible version. 

This fixed the malfunctioning whistle & Bell when operating on 50Hz.

 

Nick

Thanks to everyone for all the information, really a big help as I decide the best way to power the small layout I'm building. 

 

Alan

Someone offered fairly recently in a post that Williams engines' horns would not work on a CW-80.  But the Williams Girls' Set GG1 my granddaughter just got from Santa seems to sound well on the family's CW-80 powered layout. 

I kinda wish mine had an on/off switch on the transformer.  It's too much work having to unplug it or press the switch on a power strip every time.  Did I just say that?  No wonder I'm getting fat.  Seriously, that would be handy.  Good little transformer for in between things, temporary layouts etc.   I like the handle and accessory port.  if you don't mind having to unplug it every time.