Vision Line Big Boy run with cw80 transformer in conventional mode?

The original cw80 has all sorts of issues with things - so would not surprise me.  I have one still in box from an Amtrak set - never had it in my heart to sell it to someone because I know they would have problems.

I doubt the engine is at fault, far more likely something external to it.  I doubt I'd consider running the engine with the CW-80, though it should be able to.  My guess is the CW-80 isn't going all the way to zero volts and the engine is not sensing the direction change.

Try putting a couple of lighted passenger cars on the track for a load and then see if it changes the behavior.

You beat me to it John, …..I’d second that, …the CW80 would be my last choice…..

like John says, ….that CW80 more than likely isn’t zeroing out, and therefore, in conventional mode, it’s not seeing the absolute break to trip the next sequence….try John’s suggestion, then it’s time to break out the ZWL, ….

Pat

I had a LionMaster Challenger I tried to run with a CW-80, fail...

If you are determined to use that transformer put a simple push off/on switch between the transformer and track.  That should break the circuit.

I had the same problem with Lionel CW-80 Transformers in Conventional Mode, they wouldn't switch between forward, neutral, and reverse. I wired up a two gang electrical box with duplex switches and duplex receptacle cutting the hot connector between the two brass colored screws on the receptacle, wired up two independent circuits and used them to shut off and back on  the power to either one of the two CW-80's I had for my two tracks. It worked good to cycle between forward, neutral,  and reverse. I replaced both CW-80's with two MTH Z-1000 (100 Watt Transformers), and didn't need to use the switch box anymore. They work fine for Conventional running. Now I use the switch box for powering and shutting off accessories transformers.

@Jeff T posted:

I had a LionMaster Challenger I tried to run with a CW-80, fail...

Define 'fail'.

What specifically didn't work?

Mike

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

Define 'fail'.

What specifically didn't work?

Mike

Engine would barely move, smoke units would not function at all...

Jeff T hits on a point. The many smoke units may be sucking down the voltage. Try turning them all off.

I ran trains for many years with a 1033 including my Vision Hudson. The Vision Niagara proved to be too much with its smoking tender. Engine ran but I got almost no smoke. Thats when I finally broke down and got a bigger transformer.

Pete

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

...  My guess is the CW-80 isn't going all the way to zero volts and the engine is not sensing the direction change...

That sorta seems like an embarrassing failure to me. Why would they want the transformer to NOT hit zero? Or was it a mistake?

@woodsyT posted:

That sorta seems like an embarrassing failure to me. Why would they want the transformer to NOT m hit zero? Or was it a mistake?

Poor electrical design.

CW80’s have been trouble since they were released about 20 plus years ago. Cheap fan, the terminals would loosen from the inside and would just stop working.
What is amazing is the MTH Z1000  transformers are far superior than the CW80 and Atlas made a 80 watt transformer that is as good as the Z1000. Too bad they don’t make them any longer. It is an excellent transformer.
Lionel should be embarrassed that their own product can’t run one of their own engines minimally. no matter what the power requirements are.

Leave the CW80’s for the starter sets, …..they’re underwhelming at best anyways…..heck, an antique 1033 with a good TVS set up would be superior to a CW80,…

Pat

Just as advised above the cw80 does not go to zero volts when at off position on throttle or when direction button is depressed. The voltage goes to 1.88vac.  So it always has voltage.  Then ramping up the volts from off, the green light will start to blink if at the lower voltage ranges occasionally on the transformer.  The engine will some times have bell ringing or some speakers not working right. Maybe the extra smoke units do add extra amps for confusion on the cw80. I did not try with the smoke units switches off but this is a good idea. I have to disconnect or break the connection along with starting the voltage a little higher for it now to respond in going in different directions.  The funny thing is I have other tmcc and legacy steam and diesel engines and have never experienced this issue with them.

ya’ll guys are great help in helping figuring out theses situations. Thank you!  I guess I will not be running this loco with my cw80. 😞

on a side note I have a magnet not attached and a hand rail lose as shown in pictures below. Any suggestions on how to reattach or glue to use?

@DL posted:

on a side note I have a magnet not attached and a hand rail lose as shown in pictures below. Any suggestions on how to reattach or glue to use?

Super Glue should work to reattach the magnet.

The handrail goes into the little circular grommet to the left of the end of the handrail.  It needs to sit in there to isolated it from the shell.  No glue required.

I’d agree with Marty, ….the only thing I’d do differently is I would use 5 minute epoxy for the magnet, ….but that’s just me, I’m not a fan of CA, ……certainly CA would be fast and effective, ….a tiny tiny drop would do it,….just don’t get it on the model,…..or you will cry, …..it’s nearly impossible to get it off…..

Pat