Lionel MW question

ericstrains.comOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBERFORUM SPONSOR

Hi folks,

I bought a Lionel MW transformer from around 1988 to add to my transformer collection. It's got a weird quirk and I'm wondering if someone who has experience with the MW can tell me if this is a standard quirk with the MW or if maybe it's an issue with my particular unit. So here goes...

The transformer works just fine, but I've noticed that if I quickly turn the power off and then on again, there's no power to track or accessory. If I turn the power off and then wait about 5 seconds before turning it back on, everything works just fine.

So I'm wondering if this was a quirk of all MW's or not. If not, then I'll start thinking about a bad cap or something on the inside.

I seem to recall reading that the MW was not a very good transformer...which probably explains why it was only offered for a couple years before being replaced by the RS-1. So maybe they all had this quirk?

I've ordered a 2nd MW, so one way or another I'll get the answer to my question but I was hoping someone here who has owned an MW has some insight.

Thanks,

Eric Siegel

4/27/205:17 PM

❤️ 1

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

juniata guyOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Eric:

I’ve used an MW as an accessory transformer for at least 20 years. (Edit: Now that I think about it; I’ve been using this MW for more like 30 years. It was the first transformer I bought when I re-entered the hobby in late 1989 and is what I used to run trains till replacing it with a ZW in either ‘91 or ‘92.)

Mine has always done exactly what you note in your post. Other than this quirk, it’s been a very reliable transformer so my conclusion would be it’s a normal quirk.

Curt

4/27/205:31 PM

❤️ 1

bmoran4OGR Forum Member

The manual (https://www.lionelsupport.com/...ents/70-4690-250.pdf) doesn't suggest anything about that behavior. However, it wouldn't surprise me at all that this happens. Many electronics don't immediately "reset" with short power blips and need to fully dissipate any remains of the prior state to have normal operation restored.

You will find that the MW is quite the odd ball and certainly nothing more than a curiosity in today's world. Many manuals will make special references to it akin to this:

Attachments

Hide

Images (2)

4/27/205:54 PM

❤️ 0

ADCX RobOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I have several of these and I really like them. I have not noticed this behavior but will check for it next time I have one out.

The MW with LED indicators seems to be somewhat more reliable that the early ones with incandescent lamp indicators.

4/27/208:54 PM

❤️ 0

ericstrains.comOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBERFORUM SPONSOR

@juniata guy posted:
Eric:
I’ve used an MW as an accessory transformer for at least 20 years. (Edit: Now that I think about it; I’ve been using this MW for more like 30 years. It was the first transformer I bought when I re-entered the hobby in late 1989 and is what I used to run trains till replacing it with a ZW in either ‘91 or ‘92.)
Mine has always done exactly what you note in your post. Other than this quirk, it’s been a very reliable transformer so my conclusion would be it’s a normal quirk.
Curt

Thanks, Curt!

4/27/209:15 PM

❤️ 0

ericstrains.comOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBERFORUM SPONSOR

@bmoran4 posted:
The manual (https://www.lionelsupport.com/...ents/70-4690-250.pdf) doesn't suggest anything about that behavior. However, it wouldn't surprise me at all that this happens. Many electronics don't immediately "reset" with short power blips and need to fully dissipate any remains of the prior state to have normal operation restored.
You will find that the MW is quite the odd ball and certainly nothing more than a curiosity in today's world. Many manuals will make special references to it akin to this:

Thanks a lot!

4/27/209:16 PM

❤️ 1