ZW Transformer

laz 57

Member since
October 2004
From: Millersburg, Pa.
7,607 posts

ZW Transformer

Posted by laz 57 on Friday, October 29, 2004 10:32 AM

I have a newer ZW transformer, bought about five years ago. It works good but the dials are not working. I took off the top and noticed that the plastic that holds the two rheostats is cracked and this is causing the switches not to turn.
I opened the rheostats all the way and now they do preform good with the TMCC. Can I order that plastic piece from lionel if so what is the part name? Does anyone know?
Laz 57

There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991

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Back2Trains

Member since
June 2004
From: Southeast Florida
134 posts

Posted by Back2Trains on Friday, October 29, 2004 11:59 AM

There are several dealers who stock parts for ZWs, Warrens Trains at www.wmtlionelparts.com and Olsen's Toy Train Parts at olsentoy.com to name two of them. You also need the Greenberg Lionel Postwar Repair Manual. This will give you part numbers and show you how it all goes together. ZWs are not difficult to repair, but if you are not familiar with this type of work I suggest that you either get help from someone who is or have it repaired by a professional. By the way, the line cord very likely needs to be replaced; check it very carefully.
Jim

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laz 57

Member since
October 2004
From: Millersburg, Pa.
7,607 posts

Posted by laz 57 on Friday, October 29, 2004 1:22 PM

Thanks Jim,
In that Lionel Post War Manual will that have parts numbers for the new ZW? The ZW is the one with the 2, 180 watt power blocks. Is there a modern manual?

There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991

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wrmcclellan

Member since
July 2003
From: North Texas
5,707 posts

Posted by wrmcclellan on Friday, October 29, 2004 1:57 PM

laz 57,

Call Lionel service (number is on their website) and they should be able to help you as the new ZW is still in production.

Alternately, you could go to an authorized Lionel repair shop.

Regards.

Regards, Roy

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ChiefEagles

Member since
February 2004
From: Rolesville, NC
15,416 posts

Posted by ChiefEagles on Friday, October 29, 2004 2:20 PM

Also there is a video on these things getting out of "sinc". The nut on the control handles get loose and need tightening. This may have caused your cracking problem. I have the video [shows other things also].

God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh , KC&D Qualified Cowboy

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ben10ben

Member since
January 2003
From: Frankfort, Kentucky
1,758 posts

Posted by ben10ben on Friday, October 29, 2004 2:58 PM

I believe that this is a known problem with the early edition PWC ZWs. The more modern ones that came with the 180 watt Powerhouses have a metal plate rather than a plastic one, and I believe that the replacment Lionel will send you will be metal.

Ben TCA 09-63474