Not enough power

Yes, Proto 1, Dual motor. I want to lean toward the transformer does not put out enough power. This loco comes in a set which give you i believe either a 75 or 100 watt transformer.

Proto-1 and the CW line of transformers don't generally get along all that well.

Well, the CW-80 has enough power for most PS/1 locomotives, but the output waveform drives some of them nuts, usually the older ones.  I had a PS/1 locomotive I was testing here, and the only thing it ran properly on was a pure sine wave transformer.  I tried it with the TIU variable channel, the CW-80, and the MTH IR Remote Control Module, it didn't like any of them.

I don't think he has a CW80, isn't it more than 40 watts?

Still, sounds like you need more watts to me.

Can you try running it on  a friends layout for a test?

We need to know exactly which Lionel transformer you are using (model, etc.).

My less than 2 cents worth:  manuals for MTH, e33, and 4- 6-2, dont not have

the CW , transformers listed as being compatible.  I was advised on this forum,

be mindful of the list. What few MTH, I have run, with listed transformers,  with NO issues. Even, bought a mth 750, just to run 1 of the tracks with nothing but MTH . 

I have a cw-40 that does the same thing when i over load

it, so back to the old post war stand bys.

90 watts or bigger. bigger is better.

ZWs rock!!!!!!!!!!!

Use exclusivly ZWs at the train shows. as long as i have

a fan on them, no problems in 20 yrs of running

run em fast and furious

here they are

Expand!!   Go WTB, on OGR, I bet someone will help with a (another) transformer

Get some more track,  and use this transformer for another Train.

40 watts at 18 VAC is only 2.222amps.

Definitely not enough for a lighted passenger consist.

The engine alone may pull that much.

Try running the engine with freight cars, or no cars, Keep the lit passenger cars off the track and see what happens.