CW-80 transformer question

Terri,

   Never worry about what other people think, your CW-80 is an entry level transformer and lots of them have problems.  If you are looking for a modern transformer for under your tree pick up the MTH Z-1000.  If you like older transformers, the Lionel KW will run your Christmas layout quite well.  Both are reasonably priced and will last you for ever, or until you want to get into something much more powerful.

PCRR/Dave

Sounds like you have a short in your engine or passenger cars. I would take them all off the track and put one on at a time and turn your transfomer on see if green light blinks and see which one is shorted. 

If it's overloaded, find the source first. It's likely a short circuit. The CW is all you need, it has enough power to run 4 Polar Express sets.

Make sure nothing is derailed.  Check to see if you left any tools laying on the track.  It could be something very simple.

Take everything off the track and see if the transformer is still unhappy. If so, something is wrong with the wires.

If not, then take all the cars off and see if the engine runs. If the engine does not run, check the wires to the transformer and look at the center rail pick ups on the engine.

If the engine runs, put the cars back on the track, ONE AT A TIME and test the train after every car is added.

If one car causes the train not to run, then the problem is in that car.

Welcome to the OGR Forum, Terri.

What RoyBoy said. Then post your results and we can help resolve it.

Believe.

all good advise,

your at the right place Terri!!

I've have 4 of the CW-80 transformers and all work like a champ.  So like stated above, I wouldn't blame the transformer but instead check the train and track.

Pull all the cars off and test the engine.  Make sure all the wheels are on the track, including the front pilot wheels.  If the short is still present, look under the tender.  There are some very small wires that connect to the pickup roller on the truck.  One may be loose.  This is an easy repair with a soldering iron if one has become detached.  

I als have a bunch of them.  They are good units.  sounds like you have a probme in a loco or a car.  it happens. 

Your welcome Terri!

Terri glad you got your problem fixed and that it was simple and Happy Railroading

Terri,

   Glad it was just operator error, I would still get rid of the CW-80 and get a bigger better transformer to expand your layout with.  It is true however the newer CW-80's are a lot better than the older ones.

Welcome to the OGR we have a lot of good people here to answer any question you might have.

PCRR/Dave

Good news!

"All aboard, this is the Polar Express"