When your engine built I don't think the CW80 existed. If you have the instruction book that came with the engine their is a list of transformers that have been tested with proto1 engines. Of the ones listed the Lionel MW transformer is the only one listed as not reccomended . Most all other post war Lionel transformers are listed with directions on which post to hook it up to. Three MTH Transformers are listed plus five others. The CW80 and the 40watt you have are not on the list. Did not exist?
The engine did not need a special Transformer. Lionel built a transformer that was not compatible. Your ZW is on the list and with a couple dollars worth of parts is perfectly save to use. You need a TVS Diode across the track terminals or the transformer terminals, track preferred, no soldering anything special to hook it up. Add an inline 10amp fuse and you are good to go. There are fast acting circuit breakers available if you are prone to derailments blowing too many fuses. I can send you the TVS Diode if you would like. I have never blown out a board using my ZW with this setup. If the CW80 does not work after trying it as Chris and I have suggested try the ZW. Once you figure this out you will love the engine.
