Good morning, Ray! I once had a CW80 and used it for some time. It too quit working and I could never figure out what the problem was and decided to upgrade. I chose to use a Lionel 180-watt Powerhouse connected to a TMCC Direct Lock-On to run my TMCC and Legacy locomotives. I also added a TIU to the mix to allow me to run my MTH DCS locomotives. Although that system was working just fine, perhaps a year ago I purchased a Lionel ZW-L which I just love. In my opinion you really don't need a ZW-L right now, but I have heard a lot of great things about MTH transformers and would highly recommend you check them out. Perhaps talking with one of your local train shops to get their take on what the problem with is your CW80 is the way to go and to also get their recommendations on what would be a good replacement if that proves necessary. Personally, I would drop the CW80 for something better if/when that is in the budget. Good luck and take care. Bill B.
@@RaysTrains Well Ray, it is just one hobbyist's opinion. I know you are anxious to get your railroad up and going. I also know you are waiting for your Cab3. If you talk to one of your local train shops about a new transformer/power supply, I would let them know you are wanting a transformer that will work well with the Cab3. I know virtually nothing about the Cab3 so that is why I am suggesting you talk with your train shop about that. Bill
there is a fan inside that may have stopped working or there is an internal fuse that may have opened up there are four triangle screws on the bottom to remove to open the unit if you have a newer CW80 it won't have a fan. if you need a new transformer the GW180 is nice. For the future plug the transformer into an outlet strip with a switch so you can power down the transformer when you are not in the train room.
You need to upgrade to a GW-180. I had the exact same experience when I started out. My 80 watt didn’t have the power to run two trains at one time. It didn’t blow like yours so after I replaced it with the GW-180 and use the 80 watt to power everything but the track.
Someone mentioned a surge protector for your plug. I have a surge protector on every plug in my house as our electricty supply from the city is unstable. Also I run a solar panel system on my roof.
Sorry to hear that happened Ray. Your best bet to hold you over until the Base3 comes out is a lock-on. Also, in the future, as a precaution, always plug your transformer into a power strip so that you can turn it off when you're done using it. Hope you get back to running trains soon. - Ryan
Ray, Just so you know the base 3 is a command control system, not a transformer. So with it you will still need a separate transformer. Second, from what you're showing and telling us the internal fuse has blown. Lionel's stance on this is to just throw it away and some hobby stores may feel the same way. I can tell you that I've replaced that fuse on a few units myself and it's not hard at all for anyone with some electrical skills. Before you do anything to the unit give Lionel a call and see if they'll cover it under warranty. Lastly, a CW-80 is an entry level transformer and will have trouble running much beyond a starter set. If you're going to spend money you may want to consider an upgrade to a higher capacity transformer.
Internal fuse in power pack? Put a meter on the output terminals of your power pack with throttle at 100%, Ray. See if you have voltage reading. Blown fuse, short or open inside power pack,IMO!
Obviously check the wall outlet to see if you didn’t trip a circuit breaker. The cw80 is problematic. They are designed in such a way that you can’t open them up and fix them. I called Lionel years ago. They had me cut the cord off. I sent in the cord and they replaced the cw80. I’m guessing there not doing that anymore. Having said all that. You really shouldn’t leave any transformer plugged in all the time. There a fire hazard. Put it on a power strip or something convenient to turn on or off if need be.
Ray open up the transformer and replace the fuse. My son had the same issue. If you don’t think you can handle the repair take it to the hobby store to be fixed. 👍
Oy vey, that is a bummer, for sure. I've always shut the power off to my layout when I'm not using it, although I forgot to turn mine off, when I went to York in April. It didn't hurt anything, since there was no power being drawn. I have a CW80 that I got when I bought a layout from a gentleman who was moving to a retirement community and he couldn't take the layout with him. I've never used it and have been saving it just in case anyone comes over and wants to run some of the new stuff with boards that will burn-up when there is a short with the old Lionel transformer's slow breakers. If you can't get yours fixed, let me know. I can box it up and send the controller to you. I take it that you don't need the 'brick'? Either way, it certainly sucks, for sure.
Love the thumbnail! BTW that angle of the table from the transformer corner is cool, you should film from there more. I've had a cw-80 go on me too, I found the fix but by the time I replace the part it isn't worth it, now just a door stop. Go get a Zw-l or a power brick and power master. That's a bummer hope you get up and running soon.
HEY RAY, MAYBE YOU SHUD GO BACK TO THE FAST TRAK PLUG-IN POWER SUPPLY. I STILL USE IT WITH THE UPGRADED LIONEL 681603 6-81603 O LION CHIEF 72-WATT POWER SUPPLY 4 AMP. IT WORKS FOR ALL MY LOCOS, EVEN THE BIG BOY AND CHALLENGER. I USE 3 OF THEM FOR 3 SEP LINES. U CAN USE THOSE TILL THE BASE 3 COMES IN. 🙂
Hey Ray sorry for your loss yeah it's not really a good thing to leave your transformer running long periods of time same thing happened to me on a cw80 I had running the same length of time as the christmas tree and it started to not sound so healthy so I unplugged it any way good luck Grabowski sells used transformers I know I bought one there good luck buddy I would definitely splurge for a Z4000 they are amazing
As Corey said an MTH z1000 is good.I run legacy, TMCC and proto3 engines with no problem.also unplug the transformer when not in use This is a safety tip I learned from DAKMAN
Much like the majority of the responses, l would check the outlet and breaker specifically with the warmer weather (could be drawing more power if you have A/C going. If that's not the issue, l'd check to see if any of the transformer's fuses are blown. Maybe have your train dealer have a look at it. Good luck
Plug a desk lamp in the same socket as the controller. If it lights up, unplug the controller and plug the lamp in that one. If the lamp lights when switched on in either socket - the controller has a problem. If the lamp won't light up when turned on, its a bad wall socket or circuit. You could then check the house circuit breakers. If you think its a failed controller, then check its fuse only when UNPLUGGED.
Hi Ray, I feel you on the Plug in/ Unplugging problem. So what I do is use a remote control that plugs into the wall then plug my Power strip into that. Then when I plug in the transformer into the power strip I can use the remote to turn the power on and off. I do my wife’s layout and my layout like that. It works great. The others have already made suggestions on the transformer. Good luck! Cbtrainnut
I’ve used the CW-80 before. Mine had a problem with the cooling fan where it burned out after a long time. Lionel makes it so challenging to open it up. It’s like they don’t want you to fix it yourself. I would just by a better quality transformer
Check your breakers on fuse box. Plug something else into the wall outlet make sure outlet works. Should be able to smell electric burn outs. Transformer will smell burnt.
I'm not a fan of the Lionel CW80. The early versions were junk. Lionel made some revisions to improve it. I would buy a MTH Z750 before I bought a CW80. As someone mentioned there's a internal fuse but if it's blown then there's a issue with the unit. On another note I would recommend buying a power strip with a on/off button to turn off the power. That's what I do because I don't like unplugging things either lol
There's not much I can add that others haven't said Ray. I'm guessing there's an internal breaker in that CW-80 that's popped or possibly a fuse. You can't know without taking it apart and I wouldn't if I wasn't comfortable doing so. Personally, I swear by MTH Z-1000's, I've got one that's getting close to 20 years old and it still works perfectly. I've got three on the layout and everything I run including MTH, Lionel (Pre-and-Post War), Williams, RMT, Bowser all love 'em. Mine are all plugged into a power strip with an on-off switch, when my operating session's done I flip the switch and kill the power, I never leave my transformers "hot" when I'm not around. Sorry about your problem, hope you get it fixed soon!
I had one that just went bad a few months ago. I took it apart and replaced the internal fuse, it did work again but it operated at 19 volts, i couldn't adjust the voltage, that also goes for the part where you can hook up accessories. You probably need a new one. Mine was only 3 years old.
You know I have a MTH Z-4000 40-4000 Dual Control Transformer for my trains I hope that dose not really happen with mine because they are very expensive the MTH Transformer the big boy
Like others have said, I would have your local train shop take a gander. Personally I like the MTH transformers, I actually have three Z1000s and they are great!
I would suggest plugging any new transforme you get to a timer and setting the time so the transformer come on during the day and and the timer will shut the transformer off at night that way you can leave your transformer still plugged into the wall
If you tried another outlet and it didn't work, there is a good chance you blew the fuse. If it is out of warranty you could try and fix it yourself. I would buy at least one more anyway. It's always good to have backups. I am the king of backups. You need a special screw head to open it up. There are tutorials. Again, if it is out of warranty. Also, put your train equipment on a surge protector with an on/off switch, Then just flip that switch.
Did you check the breaker for that outlet some of the older cw80 had issues check with your dealer for replacement I had 3 of those and switched to mth z4000 and have had no issues good luck
Hey buddie been a minute, How's it going bud .. I been Watching from day 1 , Your Vidoes Are Very Entertaining & knowable As Well .. Keep Up The Great Work 🎉🎉🎉.. Happy Railroading 😅😅
My fault for not saying this in the video but I’m already getting comments on this, it’s not the outlet or the breaker!
Good morning, Ray! I once had a CW80 and used it for some time. It too quit working and I could never figure out what the problem was and decided to upgrade. I chose to use a Lionel 180-watt Powerhouse connected to a TMCC Direct Lock-On to run my TMCC and Legacy locomotives. I also added a TIU to the mix to allow me to run my MTH DCS locomotives. Although that system was working just fine, perhaps a year ago I purchased a Lionel ZW-L which I just love. In my opinion you really don't need a ZW-L right now, but I have heard a lot of great things about MTH transformers and would highly recommend you check them out. Perhaps talking with one of your local train shops to get their take on what the problem with is your CW80 is the way to go and to also get their recommendations on what would be a good replacement if that proves necessary. Personally, I would drop the CW80 for something better if/when that is in the budget. Good luck and take care. Bill B.
Thanks for the advice bill!!!!
@@RaysTrains Well Ray, it is just one hobbyist's opinion. I know you are anxious to get your railroad up and going. I also know you are waiting for your Cab3. If you talk to one of your local train shops about a new transformer/power supply, I would let them know you are wanting a transformer that will work well with the Cab3. I know virtually nothing about the Cab3 so that is why I am suggesting you talk with your train shop about that. Bill
there is a fan inside that may have stopped working or there is an internal fuse that may have opened up there are four triangle screws on the bottom to remove to open the unit if you have a newer CW80 it won't have a fan. if you need a new transformer the GW180 is nice. For the future plug the transformer into an outlet strip with a switch so you can power down the transformer when you are not in the train room.
You need to upgrade to a GW-180. I had the exact same experience when I started out. My 80 watt didn’t have the power to run two trains at one time. It didn’t blow like yours so after I replaced it with the GW-180 and use the 80 watt to power everything but the track.
Never leave the 80watts control plug in always unplug it when u not using it
Someone mentioned a surge protector for your plug. I have a surge protector on every plug in my house as our electricty supply from the city is unstable. Also I run a solar panel system on my roof.
Sorry to hear that happened Ray. Your best bet to hold you over until the Base3 comes out is a lock-on. Also, in the future, as a precaution, always plug your transformer into a power strip so that you can turn it off when you're done using it. Hope you get back to running trains soon. - Ryan
Thank you Ryan !
Ray,
Just so you know the base 3 is a command control system, not a transformer. So with it you will still need a separate transformer.
Second, from what you're showing and telling us the internal fuse has blown. Lionel's stance on this is to just throw it away and some hobby stores may feel the same way. I can tell you that I've replaced that fuse on a few units myself and it's not hard at all for anyone with some electrical skills. Before you do anything to the unit give Lionel a call and see if they'll cover it under warranty.
Lastly, a CW-80 is an entry level transformer and will have trouble running much beyond a starter set. If you're going to spend money you may want to consider an upgrade to a higher capacity transformer.
I use the Z4000, powers 8 engines at once plus all lighting and accessories, don't wast your money on lionel
I really like my Lionel ZWL transformer it has been really good for me, but that’s just me
If the transformer doesn't light up green in another outlet- it's internal fuse may be blown.
Is the wall plug fuse at the main box OK.
Try the train transformer on an extension lead from another plug.
Internal fuse in power pack? Put a meter on the output terminals of your power pack with throttle at 100%, Ray. See if you have voltage reading. Blown fuse, short or open inside power pack,IMO!
Obviously check the wall outlet to see if you didn’t trip a circuit breaker. The cw80 is problematic. They are designed in such a way that you can’t open them up and fix them. I called Lionel years ago. They had me cut the cord off. I sent in the cord and they replaced the cw80. I’m guessing there not doing that anymore. Having said all that. You really shouldn’t leave any transformer plugged in all the time. There a fire hazard. Put it on a power strip or something convenient to turn on or off if need be.
Ray open up the transformer and replace the fuse. My son had the same issue. If you don’t think you can handle the repair take it to the hobby store to be fixed. 👍
Ask U tube about how to sort out problems with your controller. I have repaired all sorts of things such as my cars air-conditioner to our dishwasher
Plug lamp Into the outlet it should ligjtv could be the outlet ot a circur breaker
Oy vey, that is a bummer, for sure. I've always shut the power off to my layout when I'm not using it, although I forgot to turn mine off, when I went to York in April. It didn't hurt anything, since there was no power being drawn. I have a CW80 that I got when I bought a layout from a gentleman who was moving to a retirement community and he couldn't take the layout with him. I've never used it and have been saving it just in case anyone comes over and wants to run some of the new stuff with boards that will burn-up when there is a short with the old Lionel transformer's slow breakers. If you can't get yours fixed, let me know. I can box it up and send the controller to you. I take it that you don't need the 'brick'? Either way, it certainly sucks, for sure.
That’s so nice of you John I really appreciate you thanks I will let you know
Open it up and replace the fuse on the inside. There is a repair video on how to do that.
Love the thumbnail! BTW that angle of the table from the transformer corner is cool, you should film from there more. I've had a cw-80 go on me too, I found the fix but by the time I replace the part it isn't worth it, now just a door stop. Go get a Zw-l or a power brick and power master. That's a bummer hope you get up and running soon.
Is it connected to a no-fault outlet (as it should be)? According to the schematic, there may be a 8A fuse inside. Not sure if it is replaceable.
HEY RAY, MAYBE YOU SHUD GO BACK TO THE FAST TRAK PLUG-IN POWER SUPPLY. I STILL USE IT WITH THE UPGRADED LIONEL 681603 6-81603 O LION CHIEF 72-WATT POWER SUPPLY 4 AMP. IT WORKS FOR ALL MY LOCOS, EVEN THE BIG BOY AND CHALLENGER. I USE 3 OF THEM FOR 3 SEP LINES. U CAN USE THOSE TILL THE BASE 3 COMES IN. 🙂
He can’t he has two locos that are conventional
@@strasburgrailfan90 HE CAN USE IT FOR THE REST OF THEM. HE SAID HE ONLY HAVE 1 CONVENT ENG.
Hey Ray sorry for your loss yeah it's not really a good thing to leave your transformer running long periods of time same thing happened to me on a cw80 I had running the same length of time as the christmas tree and it started to not sound so healthy so I unplugged it any way good luck Grabowski sells used transformers I know I bought one there good luck buddy I would definitely splurge for a Z4000 they are amazing
As Corey said an MTH z1000 is good.I run legacy, TMCC and proto3 engines with no problem.also unplug the transformer when not in use
This is a safety tip I learned from DAKMAN
Much like the majority of the responses, l would check the outlet and breaker specifically with the warmer weather (could be drawing more power if you have A/C going. If that's not the issue, l'd check to see if any of the transformer's fuses are blown. Maybe have your train dealer have a look at it. Good luck
Plug a desk lamp in the same socket as the controller. If it lights up, unplug the controller and plug the lamp in that one. If the lamp lights when switched on in either socket - the controller has a problem.
If the lamp won't light up when turned on, its a bad wall socket or circuit. You could then check the house circuit breakers. If you think its a failed controller, then check its fuse only when UNPLUGGED.
Hi Ray, I feel you on the Plug in/ Unplugging problem. So what I do is use a remote control that plugs into the wall then plug my Power strip into that. Then when I plug in the transformer into the power strip I can use the remote to turn the power on and off. I do my wife’s layout and my layout like that. It works great. The others have already made suggestions on the transformer. Good luck! Cbtrainnut
I’ve used the CW-80 before. Mine had a problem with the cooling fan where it burned out after a long time. Lionel makes it so challenging to open it up. It’s like they don’t want you to fix it yourself. I would just by a better quality transformer
Check your breakers on fuse box. Plug something else into the wall outlet make sure outlet works. Should be able to smell electric burn outs. Transformer will smell burnt.
I'm not a fan of the Lionel CW80. The early versions were junk. Lionel made some revisions to improve it. I would buy a MTH Z750 before I bought a CW80. As someone mentioned there's a internal fuse but if it's blown then there's a issue with the unit. On another note I would recommend buying a power strip with a on/off button to turn off the power. That's what I do because I don't like unplugging things either lol
There's not much I can add that others haven't said Ray. I'm guessing there's an internal breaker in that CW-80 that's popped or possibly a fuse. You can't know without taking it apart and I wouldn't if I wasn't comfortable doing so.
Personally, I swear by MTH Z-1000's, I've got one that's getting close to 20 years old and it still works perfectly. I've got three on the layout and everything I run including MTH, Lionel (Pre-and-Post War), Williams, RMT, Bowser all love 'em.
Mine are all plugged into a power strip with an on-off switch, when my operating session's done I flip the switch and kill the power, I never leave my transformers "hot" when I'm not around.
Sorry about your problem, hope you get it fixed soon!
I had one that just went bad a few months ago. I took it apart and replaced the internal fuse, it did work again but it operated at 19 volts, i couldn't adjust the voltage, that also goes for the part where you can hook up accessories. You probably need a new one. Mine was only 3 years old.
You need a electric surge protector to protect the transformer your electric co did it power spike
You know I have a MTH Z-4000 40-4000 Dual Control Transformer for my trains I hope that dose not really happen with mine because they are very expensive the MTH Transformer the big boy
Like others have said, I would have your local train shop take a gander. Personally I like the MTH transformers, I actually have three Z1000s and they are great!
I would suggest plugging any new transforme you get to a timer and setting the time so the transformer come on during the day and and the timer will shut the transformer off at night that way you can leave your transformer still plugged into the wall
Whatever the problem may be...please inform us of the remedy. Thanks Ray 👍
If you tried another outlet and it didn't work, there is a good chance you blew the fuse. If it is out of warranty you could try and fix it yourself. I would buy at least one more anyway. It's always good to have backups. I am the king of backups. You need a special screw head to open it up. There are tutorials. Again, if it is out of warranty. Also, put your train equipment on a surge protector with an on/off switch, Then just flip that switch.
Sorry that you’re going through this. I haven’t heard good things about cw80’s. Maybe get a z 4000 or at least a z1000
Did you check the breaker for that outlet some of the older cw80 had issues check with your dealer for replacement I had 3 of those and switched to mth z4000 and have had no issues good luck
I always say you can never go wrong with a KW.
Buy a 180W brick and a direct lock-on
Hey buddie been a minute, How's it going bud .. I been Watching from day 1 , Your Vidoes Are Very Entertaining & knowable As Well .. Keep Up The Great Work 🎉🎉🎉.. Happy Railroading 😅😅
Ray it’s time to switch to the superior MTH Z-4000 I think I know someone who is selling them for cheap
Listen to Jeremy. And he's got a video on that
Time for mthz4000 lol
The Cat, blame the Cat
U need a new one it cook
Not good !
Check your breakers in your electrical panel
Check your GFI’s in your outlets
Ray you have to buy a electrical surge protector at Lowes or home depot
Plug in something else to the wall outlet to make sure it’s not an outlet problem