Problem with Lionel Engine and CW80 Transformer

[Kooljock1]

And all you'll need is a small soldering iron and a screwdriver!

Jon 

[ADCX Rob]

The Train Tender has the similar 107-100  electronic e-unit for $15.

[ADCX Rob]

As an alternative, or in addition to securing another loco, yours can be fitted for AC operation with the Lionel 103-1 electronic e-unit (Lionel Part Number 600-0103-001).  This will also let you still use the engine with your original power pack, giving you a "neutral", but now you will need to interrupt the current(as with AC operation - direction button) to get F-N-R operation instead of flipping the switch.

[Wabashbud]

Big problem with this site, you'll get great and accurate information if its what you wanted to hear or not.  A bunch of experienced and intelligent people.  I love it.

Bud

[Firelock76]

You're welcome Bruce!

[Bruce Gerencser]

Thank you everyone for the info. I have decided to buy a locomotive that will run on AC. It was my intent to buy one in the future....I guess the future is now. :)

Again, thank you for the advice and help.

[nickaix]

The vast majority of Lionel locomotives, old and new, run on AC. For a while, Lionel was equipping  some of their entry-level locos for DC-only operation; it seems you have one of those.  As far as I know, Lionel does not currently sell DC-only locomotives, so the instructions for the CW-80 assume that you are using an AC loco. In your case, you will need to rectify the AC current into DC--an extra step, but not hard to do.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

If you use a DC motored loco with an AC power pack you're going to have this problem. You'll need either a DC power pack or a convertor to change the AC to DC or get a loco with an AC motor.

[Bruce Gerencser]

lionelsoni

Your locomotive has a DC motor and cannot be powered directly from an AC source, like the CW-80.  (The actual model number is 18704, even though the cab says "8704".)  As the Greenberg guide says, "running on AC will burn out motor".

It is not hard to create a DC supply for it from any transformer, like the CW-80.  Are you interested in the details?

Will I have the same problem no matter what locomotive I use? If using an older locomotive would allow me to use the transformer then this would "force" :) me to buy a different locomotive. 

The directions with the CW-80 showed hooking it directly to the lockon. I assume this is for older trains and not the one I now have?

Thanks for your help.

[Firelock76]

Lionel had a DC power converter available several years ago, you may want to check around and see if there's one in your area.  If not, check with Sidetrack Hobbies in Leonardtown Maryland, they had some when I was there about a year ago. You probably won't find it on their on-line site, you may have to call them.

Or, try the Old and Weary Car Shop in Tappan New York.  I was there about a month ago and they had some in stock.  They've got a website but something like that's not listed, you'll have to call or e-mail.

[lionelsoni]

Your locomotive has a DC motor and cannot be powered directly from an AC source, like the CW-80.  (The actual model number is 18704, even though the cab says "8704".)  As the Greenberg guide says, "running on AC will burn out motor".

It is not hard to create a DC supply for it from any transformer, like the CW-80.  Are you interested in the details?

[Bruce Gerencser]

First time post.

Years ago I bought a cheap Lionel train set for our young children. (engine number 8704) These days we get the train out for Christmas. Each year I have been going to the train show and buying older cars for the set. (cars  I remember from my youth) This year I added the 3520 searchlight car.

This addition evidently upped the power load enough that the small transformer that came with the original set overheats after about 15 minutes of continuous running.

I bought a new CW-80 transformer to replace the old transformer. Here's my problem. The engine does not run properly with the new transformer. (and I retested with the old transformer just to make sure it still works) The engine light comes on and it make a loud, vibrating noise. The wheels start to turn but the engine just moves a 1/2 inch down the track. (more like it is moving down the track slightly from the engine vibration)

My Dad ran a hobby shop when I was a kid and I owned a  lot of Lionel trains BUT it has been 40 years since I have tinkered with them.  I would appreciate any advice as to what my problem might be. 

Thank you.
Bruce Gerencser