"S" transformer questions

[Boonter]

Thanks one and all!  As usual, questions answered and then some.  To touch on a couple of comments:

The CW-80 transformers I have came with the Polar Express and Pennsylvania Flyer sets. (Gifts)  They both seem to need to be cranked up to full power to get an engine to start and then can be cut bact to slow things down.  I find it hard to get speed moderation as I would like it.  True with both modern engines as came with the sets and older engines that I have somewhat restored.

As my layout is TRYING to be as one would be in the early to mid 40's I just like the LOOK of the older transformers.  The whole thing is still in the very early stages of development so I have no accessories hooked up and no permanent wireing yet.  Eventually the modern engines and plastic cars will be passed on to my great-grandsons who now stand on stools to watch the progress.

 All responses were appreciated!

[martinden]

The S was 1947 only, and it came that year with all with all sets that had both a whistle and smoke. (Sets that had a whistle, but no smoke, got the 75 watt 1042.) In 1948, Lionel replaced the S with the 1032 and 1033. 

The S was the result of the need for an improved transformer to power the better 027 sets that year -- they were still relying mostly on pre-war transformers (some with slight modifications). The 60 watt 1041 which came with most whistle sets in 1946 had proved to be inadequate, especially for the 2020 turbine; in mid-year as a stop-gap, some 1946 sets got the 1042, which was a real hurry-up job -- just a "souped-up" 1041. So they developed the S as a holding action while working on the new line of postwar transformers for 1948. (1032-1033-1034-RW-VW-ZW)

The S shares Lionel's standard sheet metal, slope-front case with the Q, R, and A, as well as the RW (which came along the next year). In fact the S and the RW are essentially the same in arrangement and construction. Many parts are shared, including the entire direction button assembly and almost all of the whistle assembly. The RW has a more powerful core (110 watts) and a CB warning light.

I have an instruction sheet for the S, but no scanner. There's not much to it. There are four posts: A,B,C across the top, U below. For the track, U to the center rail (as on all single-train postwar transformers), A or B to the outer rail; voltage ranges shown on the dial with the speed control. Fixed voltages are 5-14-19, indicated on the back with the binding posts. CB is 5-6 amps, and it's NOT the click on-click off type (as on, e.g., the ZW); it cycles rapidly on and off. (If there were a light -- as on the RW -- the light would flicker on and off.) In a quiet room, you can hear the breaker making a little noise -- hard to describe -- as it cycles.

I have found my S to be a very useful and capable transformer. It will run almost any typical postwar train, except a two-motor diesel with lighted passenger cars. IOW, OK for a two-motor engine with freight, or a single motor with coaches. (Note though, I don't connect any lights or accessories to it -- power for them comes from other transformers).

IMO, single biggest problem is the lack of a circuit breaker warning light.

The Olsen's page that Spankybird linked is a pictorial diagram of the internal components, and that's all Olsen has for the S; the section on the RW is considerably more elaborate; since the S is similar to the RW, it might be useful to look at that section.

 http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=660 

Any other questions I might be able to answer, feel free to ask.

 

 

[sir james I]

Just a reminder;;;;your older transformers will not have a bell button. One can be added to the track wires though.

[bfskinner]

Boonter,

You might be able to find what you want at this URL --especally the hook-up options. There is also a page specific to the Lionel Type S, but it doesn't contain much additional info. And, when referring to "the" CW-80, PLEASE specify whether it is pre- or post-revision.

Do I dare ask what problem(s) you have had with your CW-80?

      http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=630

Edited to supply the missing link. Can you imagine, I found the "missing link." It is not precisely the same link that Spankybird posted above, but it is in the same library.

 

[Sturgeon-Phish]

With a little info I may be able to help.  On the transformer there may be identifying info.  Is it single or dual control, if dual it may be a 9B (1946;150 watt) or 12B (1946-52; 250 watt).

Jim

[Roger Bielen]

The "S" type transformer came with the set that had the 2020 turbine in either 1946 or '47, don't remember which.  That was the only referrence to that transformer that I've ever come across.  I still use my original as an accessory transformer.  As to instructions, mine are long gone but the markings at the terminals are self explanitory.  There are two variable ranges controlled by the dial depending on which terminal you use paired with the common, U and there are a couple of choices of fixed voltages dependent again on which terminals you pair.  Mine is not handy at the moment otherwise I'd list the combinations.

[spankybird]

Try this site

 http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=664

 

[Boonter]

I just received an S transformer to go on my retro layout.  Can anyone tell me the dates of mfg. and also where I can get an instruction sheet or other data?

I hope to replace a CW 80 that is currently in use.  Not my favorite transformer, to be polite.