Help! Continuous Bell Sound

[Nick12DMC]

Hi all,
I wonder if you could help? I am new to Lionel, my son (and I) have
a Santa Fe Fast Freight set that we got this Xmas in the States.
We live in the UK. We just set up having got a 240V to 110V Transfomer to
provide the correct power to the CW-80.
( note the set worked fine in the US)
When we apply power to the track with the CW-80 the bell goes on
all the time. It will not stop, we are not pushing the bell button at all.

Any help would be great

Many Thanks
Nick Hannaford

[Anonymous]

Nick, I don't have any cures, but I think UK are on 50 cycle AC whereas USA is 60 cycle AC. Maybe you can find a Lionel dealer in UK who can run the problem to ground. Stu

[dwiemer]

Nick,
One problem could be the CW80. they had a run of these that had the problem as you describe. I would suggest calling Lionel. They have been very good about changing these out. Please let us know how you make out.
Regards
Dennis

[johnsgg1]

Nick, when I was stationed in Germany a few years back I didn't have any problems with Lionel TMCC converting 220 to 110 and using the 50Htz.. As some others have said it may be the CW-80 transformer. Try another and see if you still get the bell.

In Germany I ran a plethora of Lionel TMCC equipment, engines and accessories, with a variety of transformers, and did not have any spurious signal problems.

[Nick12DMC]

Thanks Guys,
Here is a update. First I forgot to mention that the CW-80 fan
made a lot of noise and stopped working. Although it still provides power.
I contacted the UK Dealer Tennents Trains. These guys were very helpful
they have had problems with the 50 cycle/60 cycle thing and do a UK
Power surply/control unit. Downside, it costs £150.
However they said to hold fire on buying one as I should talk to their
Lionel electrical guru. This guy is a University professor in electronics and
helps them out evey other weekend[:)].
I will post more info. when I have talked to him next weekend.

I called Lionel technical surport, great customer service! As soon as
I mentioned the fan was dead they offered to send me a new CW-80.
They also mentioned 50/60 cycle problems but try the new transformer
first.

Best Regards

Nick H

[dwiemer]

Nick,
I am glad that Lionel has done for you as they did for me, no questions, just send the new CW80. I hope that you are able to solve the 50/60 cycle problem. Keep us posted.
Dennis