CW80 transformer stopped working

No parts and if under warranty contact lionel if not get you another transformer.

There is a fuse inside.

Last year I bought a CW80 from Hobbyspeed to run my loco and a trolly on a small living room layout(2 tracks, 5x8).  It was around $50 and in a white box which makes me think it was a rebuilt.  It worked OK.  So, on the off chance that yours can't be repaired, the latter might be an alternative.  Hobbyspeed was real easy to do business with.  BUT, I think some of the techs on this website might be able to fix yours.

Yes ,as stated above there is a fuse inside i had to change sometime ago it isn't that hard to do ,you need to use a special screwdriver ,or make something yourself to open the cover ,but it isn't that hard to do .

Thank you for all the advice!

It is very much appreciated!!!!

I hadn't taken the transformer apart yet but I wondered if there may be a blown fuse inside?

I looked and seen it takes a special triangle shaped tool to get the screws of the cover loose to get inside.

At this point it doesn't work so I will attempt to get the cover off to replace the fuse if it is blown.

Thanks again for all help provided!

Happy holidays to all!

Wayne

RickM46 posted:

...It was around $50 and in a white box which makes me think it was a rebuilt...

White box with a (usually green) sticker is a set break-up component. Lionel is not refurbishing these, they're cheaper to replace than pay shipping two ways... in fact, for warranty replacements, they have you send just the cord as they don't want you to pay the shipping on a heavy package either.

ADCX Rob posted:

RickM46 posted:

...It was around $50 and in a white box which makes me think it was a rebuilt...

White box with a (usually green) sticker is a set break-up component. Lionel is not refurbishing these, they're cheaper to replace than pay shipping two ways... in fact, for warranty replacements, they have you send just the cord as they don't want you to pay the shipping on a heavy package either.

Now that you mention it Rob, there were green stickers on the boxes (I got 2, long story).

Any ideas on what to use to get the triangular headed screws out with that hold the transformer cover on with?

I've tried small straight bladed screw drivers, small allen wrenches and various other small things I can get down in there but nothing has worked thus far.....

I'm sure it is some kind of small triangular shaped screw driver needed?

Any ideas other than pitch it out and buy another?

The TA27 from this set  is the one you need.

Take you worst screwdriver and grind the triangle shape onto the tip.

If you have a Harbor Freight nearby check for a set of tamper proof bits for under $10 (though if tight and deeply recessed they may not fit down in the hole) Check the set actually has the triangle bit, some don't.

"Tamper proof" is your keyword searching online.

I got the tool at harbor freight, and a fuse link from an auto supply, although the handle was barely long enough. I cut a slot in the transformer case so I can now access the fuse without using that tool again. Of course, it hasn't blown since then.

It was frustrating, but not expensive to fix.

I need parts for mine.  If you can't get yours fixed - I'd buy it for parts.

http://www.ebay.com/p/Eclipse-...Ta27x50mm/1221804642

After you've used the CW-80 for a while, with a while usually not being very long, you'll probably notice the fan getting noisy or failing to fan any longer.  The original fan is a cheap sleeve bearing fan.  You can get a 40x40x10 ball bearing fan for about $6 to replace it. Some of the replacement fans have three leads instead of two. This does not matter, just use the black and red. The ball bearing fan should last you a good while.  I've replaced several original fans and have run ball bearing fans for a number of years. Have not had to change out a ball bearing fan yet.  If the circuit board on the CW-80 blows, these have a decent iron transformer - for Command Control layouts you can bypass the blown electronics and have a nice 18v sinewave that handles 10amps.

andy b posted:

After you've used the CW-80 for a while, with a while usually not being very long, you'll probably notice the fan getting noisy or failing to fan any longer.  The original fan is a cheap sleeve bearing fan.  You can get a 40x40x10 ball bearing fan for about $6 to replace it. Some of the replacement fans have three leads instead of two. This does not matter, just use the black and red. The ball bearing fan should last you a good while.  I've replaced several original fans and have run ball bearing fans for a number of years. Have not had to change out a ball bearing fan yet.  If the circuit board on the CW-80 blows, these have a decent iron transformer - for Command Control layouts you can bypass the blown electronics and have a nice 18v sinewave that handles 10amps.

Good info!  Any suggestions on where to get a replacement fan?  I take it that the dimensions 40x40x10 are in mm?

Yes, the 40x40x10 are mm.  These are commonly used in computer applications. You can get them on amazon, radio shack if there is one near around, maybe best buy, auction sites.  Just make sure you are getting a ball bearing fan and not another sleeve bearing fan. 12v should do.  The CW-80 varies the voltage and I've never seen it over 9v to the fan.

Unless your gutting the electronics, then I'd assume a higher voltage fan and bridge rectifier might be in order for the creation. of a new "brick". A breaker for sure!greater

No? Stays cool even under load? Breaker remains?

I can see other uses such a lighting or dedicated switch power for some folks too.

If you can't get it fixed, my recommendation is to pick up a MTH Z-1000 (100 Watt) transformer if you're using a CW80 to power your layout. You'll run into less issues with non-Lionel locomotives, I believe.

Bobby

I know this is an old post, but I had a similar issue... got the triangle driver along with the fuse on Amazon for around $15.  Put in a fuse holder just in case it happens again.  Plenty of room under the throttle.