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As my son has run engines using a cw80 transformer in the past with few issues, I took a chance on a used diesel switcher I found pretty cheap.  It is an 8569, manual reverse I think 70s era.

I visit antique shops when I have a few minutes between appointments and picked it up with an inexpensive Penn Central gondola car.

So I had the sense to think I was buying a working engine, I had a section of fastback and  the wall plug power that came with my lion chief Thomas.   Powered the track with the Loco on it, it zipped right off.  Changed direction with the switch, it worked in reverse, yay, a working loco.

Bought it, take home, place on a loop powered by a proper transformer and trouble.  Motor hums and seems like it is about to tun, then silence.  Switch directions with the manual switch, same thing.

I am obviously frustrated with myself for thinking I was smart and could get some play in with my kiddo.  Was hoping I could make this a project Loco as it has lots of space so I thought I could add a driver and aftermarket sounds.  First though, just need it to run.

Wheels and roller are clean, and it does move on a section of fastrack plucked into a lion chief wall plug, just not a proper transformer.

 

Any ideas?

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Texas Pete posted:

Due to the fact that the CW-80 ramps the track voltage up slowly it sometimes won't kick the reverse unit, which is probably what you hear buzzing.  I have three CW-80s and I like them fine, but I also have an LW transformer that I can switch in to any block(s) where I am running postwar locos.

Pete

Thank you kind sir, a little patience with the transformer was just the trick.  Let it hum and then increased the voltage a little faster than I am in the habit of and she ran.  Ride is a little rough and sparky, but some love and a lube and a tuneup should help.

I welcome any suggestions from the board on how to make sime small changes and make it run even better, lights and sound seem like places I want to start, looks like there is room in the cab for a driver as well.

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