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It is a Locosound set.
Horn/ Whistle, direction control and sounds are obtainable from (practically) any traditional postwar-style transformer. Bell and deactivation of the speed control requires the use of a bell button, as does direction lock.
(Modern transformers like the CW-80 or Z-500/750/1000/Controller have the bell button)
The set has no other features of note.

While the CW has a bell button, it is not ideal nor recommended by MTH. It can be difficult to modulate the bell and whistle buttons to achieve the desired results of speed control-off or direction lock.

Note that "traditional" power usually means a postwar transformer, without a bell button. You are operating "conventionally" with a "modern" transformer.

Last edited by Überstationmeister

Yes, …agree with above …..the CW80 can possibly be problematic with MTH engines,….I believe most if not all run fine on older postwar transformers…..if the set is on your hit parade, a simple solution would be to buy an inexpensive postwar transformer like a 1033 and add a bell/whistle controller…..1033’s and the gambit of smaller 75-100 watt transformers usually can be had for small money, even after being fully serviced……

Pat

@harmonyards posted:

Yes, …agree with above …..the CW80 can possibly be problematic with MTH engines,….I believe most if not all run fine on older postwar transformers…..if the set is on your hit parade, a simple solution would be to buy an inexpensive postwar transformer like a 1033 and add a bell/whistle controller…..1033’s and the gambit of smaller 75-100 watt transformers usually can be had for small money, even after being fully serviced……

Pat

Well, if I get this train set it really wouldn't be my "hit parade". 

I'd just run it occasionally, for Steam Days.  I do have an old ZW transformer, but I just have accessories and such on it.  My layout is two independent tracks.  I like using the CW-80 transformers because I happened to have two of them, and I like the ergonomic design.

@JeffPo posted:

Well, if I get this train set it really wouldn't be my "hit parade". 

I'd just run it occasionally, for Steam Days.  I do have an old ZW transformer, but I just have accessories and such on it.  My layout is two independent tracks.  I like using the CW-80 transformers because I happened to have two of them, and I like the ergonomic design.

Ergonomics won’t do you any good if the transformer isn’t compatible with the locomotive’s electronics…..you’ll have a frustrating time trying to use a CW80 with a lot of those MTH electronics……I believe there’s even mention of this stuff in the MTH user manual in the section of compatible transformers………it’s your decision, not ours, so just be aware ….

Pat

Pretty easy to find the transformer compatibility chart in the manual for this loco. CW-80 is not listed at all. I would assume they’re not compatible.
There is lots of discussion on this board and elsewhere about chopped sine wave put out by the CW-80. ProtoSounds MTH locomotives manufactured before the Cw-80 don’t play well with it.

The set comes with a Z-500, which has no notable issues running traditional Lionel per se. I have used one on a simple loop to run every era and style of trains for circa 20 years. One caveat however:

It is rated to supply 1A less "power" than the CW-80, which may or may not become an issue depending upon which locomotives and cars you own. That is, the Z-500 (50W, 4A) might not be enough to effectively operate traditionally powered ("pulmor" (non can-motor)) Lionel especially if combined with multiple passenger cars with incandescent lamps and/or multiple motors. For example, the Z-500 can generally handle one two-motored (2343) F3 pulling freight, or a single motored steam engine (2037) pulling 4 lit passenger cars, but not necessarily a F3 pulling 4 lit passenger cars.

Note that the CW-80 (80W, 5A) actually has the same problem, but the extra 1A makes it slightly less an issue. You would notice the light blink and power "foldback" activate as the limit approaches. If this already occurs with your current trains, then switching to the Z-500 is not ideal.

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