20 Most Recent Lionel Cw 80 Transformer Questions & Answers

Recent Lionel transformers are notorious for their issues. Put an old fashioned reverse switch into the circuit, an old Lionel 88 will do the wire to terminal 1 of the lockon or the wire tothe center rail needs to be cut and attached to the 2 terminals of the 88 reverse switch. Note this is ancient technology from the 30s to 50s

From a top view there is a dot near a pin. That pin is #1 and numbering proceeds counterclockwise from 1 to 8. Pin 1 is the ground. You can see the article on Wikipedia for other info, if needed

The Lionel postwar 190watt transformer is an excellent power supply for trains. If one or more of the binding posts are loose ("U,A,B,C,D" Terminals") you will need to replace the binding post, use a T-159 replacement Binding Post. The original posts are soldered and crimped on. The T-159 replacement binding post is bolted on. UNPLUG THE TRANSFORMER Carefully pull/pry up the handles and remove them remove the 4 Philips screws on the top, lift off the case top, the binding posts stay with the body of the KW. Remove the loose bindings post one at a time as needed. Be sure to get any wire reattached. Reverse the procedure to reassemble.

I have had the same problem with my polar express, which i just bought recently. Having to send it to the USA from the UK would be very expensive so i decided to open it up myself. The tamper proof screws were a bit of a problem getting into it. I ground down an old screw driver into the triangle shape to undo them. I then replaced them with self taping srews the same size.
The Problem I found was simple, there is an internal (250V, 8Amp) fuse soldered onto the red wire on the secondary winding of the transformer. The red wire going from the transformer to the PCB, the fuse has black heatshrink over it.
There is no room inside the housing of the controller to fit a fuse holder. I fitted a box on the side of it with a panel mount fuse holder. drilled a hole through the housing, fitted longer red wires, so they could go through to the terminations on the back of the fuse holder.
At least now I can change it simply if it blows again.

hope this is of help to you.

Looking at auction pictures, I'm going to say that odds are the fuse is located in the main unit. You can pick up those tamper proof screwdrivers at Harbor Freight pretty cheap. Please make sure that you've properly discharged the unit before attempting any repairs.

You can't. These transformers aren't user serviceable. You can thank the Federal Government for that. If you can find the special tool to remove the case, you'll be able to open the transformer. For service, contact Lionel customer service or take the transformer to a Lionel Service Center.

see attached pdf: http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/71-4198-251.pdf

5 amps

Lionel Service Manuals 501 Aluminum Rico Station PDF

On the base of the transformer you will find 4 tamper proof screws that you will need to remove to open the case. A triangular blade screwdriver will be need to do this. Once removed the tamper proof screws can be replaced with self tapping screws. Silverhill Tools ASDTR1 Triangle Screwdriver

This transformer is difficult to open unless you have the triangular security screw driver. Security bits can be purchased at any Harbor Freight tool store but you will need to adapt them to fit into the channels where the screws are recessed. Click on the link below to view the correct tool needed to correctly open this unit up:
http://www.amazon.com/Silverhill-Triangle-Screwdriver-Roomba-Happy/dp/B001F3FUBK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1277110784&sr=8-1-spell

New wire and plugs are available at chuckstrains.com , they can also tell you how to get into it

Yes, I think so. It is connected via a rectifier diode to the transformer 18V output.

The internal fuse is probably blown. Contact Lionel at Lionel.com for instructions on how to get a replacement.

The voltage regulator is part LM78L05. You might want to check the two diodes are ok as well 'D1' & 'D2', sadly I can't see markings on them.

Yes. Find a Lionel repair shop or bring it to a local hobby store that does model train repairs. You can contact Lionel for a list of repair shops.

Open up the transformer and make sure the terminal has not become disconnected from the power wire. Sometimes from use the terminal becomes unattached inside the casing.

First check your track with a multimeter for track power voltage & continuity.Second, clean your wheels & pick up roller on your locomotive.Third, clean your track.

Sounds like the "variable resistor" that allows for a variable speed is either defective, or has become corroded on it's switch contacts. You might get lucky with some electrical contact cleaner spray and spraying it in or around the variable speed switch. Otherwise, I'd just invest in a new transformer.

Is it old if so there is ur eason also it could be shortige of track or did you put stuff on it