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CW-80 Transformer to Lionel Polar Express - Engine Wont Move

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  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Hopewell, NY
  • 3,230 posts
Posted by ADCX Rob on Saturday, December 5, 2015 2:50 PM

Firelock76
I should have thought of that ...

I mean, we have to start with the basics, with so little info provided...

Rob

  • Member since
    August 2010
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 8,955 posts
Posted by Firelock76 on Saturday, December 5, 2015 1:18 PM

ADCX Rob

Are there any lights on in the cars?

 

Good point! I should have thought of that myself!

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Hopewell, NY
  • 3,230 posts
Posted by ADCX Rob on Saturday, December 5, 2015 11:15 AM

Are there any lights on in the cars?

Rob

  • Member since
    August 2010
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 8,955 posts
Posted by Firelock76 on Saturday, December 5, 2015 10:38 AM

Do you have a electrical meter available?  This is where they come in handy.  With the transformer connected to the track touch the meter leads to the rails and see if there's any voltage there.  You can also meter the transformer posts.  If there's nothing coming from the transformer, well, there's the problem.  If there's voltage to the track then it's a train issue.  Make sure one of the wires to the track hasn't slipped off without your knowing it.  (I'm assuming you're using Fastrack, it happened to me.) Try it with just the locomotive and tender.  If that works then there may be a problem with one of the cars, say a broken wire causing a short. That happened to me too, but not with a Polar Express set.

Electrical meters don't have to cost a lot, most hardware stores have budget versions that don't cost much, and they're handy to have for other purposes around the house as well.

Good luck!

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • 1 posts
CW-80 Transformer to Lionel Polar Express - Engine Wont Move
Posted by scgamer on Friday, December 4, 2015 1:38 PM

I have a Polar Express Train Set powered by a CW-80 transformer.

I set up the track, the transformer light is full green (no blinking), but there seems to be no power to the track.  The engine just sits there, with no sense that it is straining or anything.  It is just sitting there.  Any troubleshooting suggestions?

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