Skip to main content

the i  probably time for a major overhaul on the TWthis is a strange one. I have a post war steamer # 2055 and tender # 2046W both run well and the tender is a champion whistler since I replaced the trucks and collector it only has one collector now not two by original lionel design. prior to replacing the tender trucks my CW 80 could not sound it at all. I attribute that to a stronger spring on the roller the others were weak. the very strange thing about this is the 2055 steamer smoke unit works better on the CW 80 than the TW and the TW is rated at 175 watts 

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

In my humble opinion, the TW is Lionel's worst postwar transformer. It has several issues, is why the short production lifespan. The two transformer cores in one case turns out wasn't the best idea. It is the only time Lionel tried that idea. The wiring was revised once, and that still didn't help. First is the transformers overheating. TW's have a issue with that. For some reason it is usually the aux. transformer, but not every time. Second is the heat from the overheated transformer core travels up the die cast metal control shaft and warps the large plastic handles. This is most noticeable on the whistle control handle, it will get hung up on the plastic case and not return on it's own. Lionel later used the molded case for the somewhat scarce SW. I too, would recommend a LW instead.          The reason the smoke works better with the CW is it is putting about 18 volts to the track in chopped wavelength. The bad thing about CW80's and postwar trains in the chopped wave makes the motors and Eunits noticeably noisier with a growl. The smoke unit see's the 18 volts, and so does the motor, but with pulsed power the motor is starting and stopping many times a second. I would keep postwar trains with postwar transformers. Same with modern trains, they operate better with modern transformers than postwar. 

Last edited by Chuck Sartor
Chuck Sartor posted:

In my humble opinion, the TW is Lionel's worst postwar transformer. It has several issues, is why the short production lifespan. The two transformer cores in one case turns out wasn't the best idea. It is the only time Lionel tried that idea. The wiring was revised once, and that still didn't help. First is the transformers overheating. TW's have a issue with that. For some reason it is usually the aux. transformer, but not every time. Second is the heat from the overheated transformer core travels up the die cast metal control shaft and warps the large plastic handles. This is most noticeable on the whistle control handle, it will get hung up on the plastic case and not return on it's own. Lionel later used the molded case for the somewhat scarce SW. I too, would recommend a LW instead. 

I dunno.

I have two of them on Warrenville and never felt them heat up, or have the warping, as you describe.

Choo Choo Charlie posted:

KW  190 watts divided by 2 = 90 watts per train

ZW 275 watts divided by 4 = 69 watts per train

LW 125 watts divided by 1= 125 watts per train

TW 175 watts divide by 2 = 87 watts per train but really 60 watts per train

hum

Charlie

Remember that the ratings are input power for postwar transformers, not output power.  Figuring on maybe an 80-85% efficiency at most, the actual output power is considerably less.  I can tell you from personal experience that a ZW (R) outputting 220 watts into a resistive load gets pretty warm within about 15-20 minutes.  I can start smelling the unmistakable scent of how transformer windings!  You are well advised to consider the real capability of any postwar transformer about 70% or so of it's actual nameplate power capability.

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×