Visionline Hudson and my Postwar ZW

Mike Reagan is normally spot on with his suggestions but let me offer some other possibilities.  First off, John Z, was the Chief Technical Officer at Lionel until he retired.  He designed most of the stuff you are running.  He would know best what may be up.

Since you have a CC2, you could try running the vision line Hudson tender behind the cc2 and see if the problem continues.  Since they are both legacy, this should work.  I have done this with tmcc tenders running behind other tmcc engines to diagnose a problem. (I only do this with wireless connections). If the Hudson tender runs fine behind the cc2, then you know the problem is in the engine.  If it still acts up, the problem is most likely the tender.  If the Hudson tender acts up behind the CC2, I would then try the cc2 tender behind the hudson and see how that works.  If the cc2 tender works fine behind the hudson, the you also know the hudson engine is ok.

From what I know generally transformer problems are linked to postwar engines and newer transformers with clipped sign wave output (the ZW is pure sign wave). My guess would be the transformer as well, though I don't understand how it could be incompatible per se but rather that something is wrong with it. One thought /suggestion I have, from an issue a friend had a while ago.. are you powering your track off of one of the handles (variable power), or since you run command control are you running off the fixed outputs? A friend of mine, using a KW, had some issues when he was using TMCC (tells you how long ago) , some weird problems, and he was told to try using the fixed output to power the tracks as a test, that it could be related to the variable output not being right. My friend did try and and it cleared up the problem (rather than getting the KW diagnosed, he broke down and bought a modern transformer).  I don't know if using the fixed output like that poses any risks (it shouldn't), but I would wait before trying that in case someone more knowledgeable thinks it could cause harm weighs in before trying it. 

It is never a good idea to use old power with new electronics. Different wave forms, spiking, unpredictable (as you have) results and interactions. Boards vary, too, so it may "be the Hudson" - but until you try it with a modern transformer.... I speak from experience - not mine, but of those I know.

Put that old transformer on the shelf, or use it to power accessories, layout lighting or your washing machine. Keep it away from your locos, in-line protection notwithstanding.

Obviously you have the resources to buy fancy locos; spend a bit on a new power source - or sources (and TMCC; you have some nice things; why handicap them?)

And, most importantly, I'd follow Mike Reagan's opinion on most anything in this arena. It's what he does.

I thank you for your thoughts and suggestions.     I was trying to avoid a Transformer swap out, however it appears I may have to bite the bullet.    Again, thanks

If it was putting out a pure sine wave with no spikes or DC offsets it would be fine. You could check for DC offsets with a voltmeter set to DC. For spikes or other anomalies you would need an oscilloscope.  

Pete