Lionel CW80 and derailments

bigsmoothOGR Forum Member

I have a Lionel Polar Express Lionchief set with a Lionel CW80 transformer. I noticed the other day that the hookup wires to the track from the transformer had melted the insulation on the wires following a derailment.

Is this a case of the hookup wires being undersized? I believe they are 20 gauge wire. Or is this an issue with the transformer not tripping fast enough?

In any case, I'm heading out to pick up a heavier gauge wire today. Is 16 gauge appropriate? This is only one train on a small, holiday layout.

12/20/1511:13 AM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

A little bit of both, but the 16ga wire should help a bunch.

12/20/1511:34 AM

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phillyreadingOGR Forum Member

gunrunnerjohn posted:
A little bit of both, but the 16ga wire should help a bunch.

I agree with John on this. Lionel don't use heavy enough wire on a lot of wiring for accessories as well. How about the new track lockons? I bought a new track lockon because it was for both S gauge and O gauge trains, the wire will melt before the transformer will trip a breaker so I replaced the wires with 16 gauge flexible wire.

Lee Fritz

12/20/155:12 PM

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ADCX RobOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

gunrunnerjohn posted:
A little bit of both...

YES, the CW will "fold back" but keep 5 amps to the track while doing so - too much for the wires.

12/20/157:51 PM

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bigsmoothOGR Forum Member

I picked up some stranded 16ga wire this afternoon and have everything back up and running and all seems well. Thanks to all for the guidance/suggestions.

12/20/159:01 PM

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