Whistle Controller 166

Looking at the schematic,the culprit is most likely the selenium rectifier. These go bad with age. Should be able to replace with a 6 amp silicone one.

here is a schematic

www.olsenstoy.com/cd/1942\a128.pdf

Dale H

I have run my prewar Commodore Vanderbilt with whistle from that same era with a CW-80, without any issues. You should be fine with it.

johnstf,

    As car guys advised it will probably work, however I have given away many

CW80 transformers. IMO when you can upgrade to a better transformer do it, I use an old Lionel KW rather than play with the CW-80.   I do not even us them for my street cars now.

PCRR/Dave

I've repaired a postwar 167 whistle controller and various old Lionel transformers with whistle controllers. In most cases they just need the contacts cleaned up because they get oxidized with age. The contacts pass all the track power except when the whistle or direction button is pushed, and they cause problems if not making good contact. They are pretty basic, but if you're not comfortable with taking them apart to work on them, you may be better off to buy a newer transformer.

http://www.tandem-associates.c...l_trains_167_acc.htm

The Whistle Controller No. 167 would evolve from the pre-war No. 166. The need for this controller began in 1935 when Lionel introduced the first on-board whistle for electric trains. The pre-war versions of this controller were plagued with problems like having to push two buttons at once and frequent burn-outs.

Thanks for all the info, Olsenstoy.com will come in handy.

I currently am using an old Type K transformer with the 166 Whistle Controller, it's in beautiful condition and works well. I do worry about it not having any circuit breaker though (any thoughts on the use of circuit breakers with prewar?). So I figured buy a new CW80 that works for now until I get the 166 fixed.

Thanks-  Tim

johnstf,

   Heck no Tim, you have a good transformer, put a bank of Scott 10 Amp breakers between the rails and the transformer and let her run.  The breakers will pop long before you have any problems.  Understand this is only safe guarding your train however.  Use a surge protector on the line between your old transformer and the 120 outlet if you do not have good 15-20 Amp house breakers.   You already have a good transformer just set up correctly and you are good to go.  Forget the CW-80.

PCRR/Dave

Have to disagree with Pine Creek. Nothing wrong with those CW-80's if used properly.

If they were that bad, Lionel would not still be including them in starter sets or over the

counter retail sales.

Agreed. I love my CW-80's. They got a bad reputation when the very first ones had some issues, but Lionel has been very supportive with replacing that bad batch. 10 years later, they are great transformers, which have held up for me ever since. I actually used to power my layout with them, until the number of them needed became impractical.

They still do Christmas Tree duty, and power accessories on my layout. I also use them when doing repairs, as the circuit breaker is as fast (if not faster) than the fast acting fuses I use with my ZW's. Also, it's cheaper, since I do not have to burn through fuses.

Gentlemen,

  We have this discussion every year and although the CW-80 has come along way,

they actually, do not burn up now.  IMO they are an entry level transformer at best, I know some of you gentlemen really like them, my experience with them, even running my street cars was not good.  Compared to a KW or a ZW they are junk.  Tim indicated he already had a good K type transformer, he sure does not need a CW-80, all he needs is some scott 10 Amp Breakers, which reset, no money for fuses is required.  I fully realize Lionel is still giving them away in their starter sets, if Harry has another real nice stater for minimal money this year, and I purchase it, heck I will give Tim the CW-80 that comes with the good FasTrack, a decent engine and lionels new rolling stock. IMO the CW-80 is a throw away transformer from a RTR set, its the opening power to get a child started with his Christmas gift, man I will catch heck for that one.  If Tim is going to purchase another transformer the min I would go is for a MTH 750, the better way is with an old ZW and another Scott 10 Amp Breaker bank.  Never purchase a CW-80, chances are someone here in the Pittsburgh, Pa area will actually give you one, until you can afford to upgrade.

You guys can burn me at the stake now.

PCRR/Dave

Just so you understand I did use a Lionel CW-80 as part of my layout power for a couple of years, until I found that it created nothing but problems.