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This is a good transformer for the beginning railroader or small layout. I am used to an older unit that has instant full power. This one very slowly ramps up the power to the engine after pushing the direction button. A little too slowly. Otherwise it has a good range of power and is easy to use. I like the connections on the back, especially the ability to use banana plugs. I have not had the need or opportunity to test the programmable accessory power levels yet but it looks like a good function to have. My old transformer has separate connections for various power levels. Direction, Horn and Bell buttons work perfectly. Fan noise is noticeable but subtle. Green power light blinks to warn of a circuit problem - a nice feature to have. In all a good easy to use transformer for small layouts.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
A great high powered train transformer that is able to run my big layout and other electrical accessories without a problem. It contains a cooling fan that is a nice feature to avoid overheating. A great item that I will use for a long time.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
First and most importantly, be certain that, if you order one, you receive a CW-80. Lionel uses an almost identical case for an even more basic transformer called the Powermax, a misnomer if there ever was one. If you want something to power the lights on a small layout, get a Powermax for very little cost, but don't expect it to do anything else, and don't accept one in the belief that it's a CW-80. A real CW-80 has four power output terminals, two for track power and two separate ones for accessories. The niftiest thing about this transformer is that you can set the desired output voltage of the accessory terminals. Several button pushes and lever movements are required to set the accessory power but the procedure is fully explained in the accompanying instruction booklet. Track power is, of course, adjusted with the red lever on the side of the transformer. Pressing the Direction button on top of the transformer interrupts power to alert the reversing board in your engine to go into neutral or reverse; however, response is not instantaneous. Rather, power rebuilds over several seconds to the level set by the red throttle lever. On one hand, this is nice because the engine moves out smoothly without jackrabbit starts. On the other hand, the gradual rebuild of power seems to confuse some reversing boards, such as the one in my older Williams locomotive, which does not always respond properly. More frustrating is my observation that there is a serious incompatibility between the CW-80 and my MTH locomotives equipped with ProtoSounds 2, which it will not run reliably at all. So, bottom line: the CW-80 is a very nice transformer for beginner-level Lionel locomotives and will trigger their whistles or horns and bell sounds just fine. It will also power a trackside accessory and can be set to whatever voltage is optimal for that accessory. However, it is not necessarily compatible with the control and sound systems of other brands of O gauge locomotives and is not up to powering a large layout. Mine works fine for sending the Lionel Hogwarts Express engine with three lighted passenger cars around an oval of track under the Christmas tree, but I would not recommend it for anything much more complex than that.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
This transformer has power to spare when running my Williams twin motor full O scale locomotive. Horn works fine and bell. Also has an power lugs on rear for using with street lights, village house lights, etc. Very quiet transformer with an internal fan to keep it cool. Would highly recommend this transformer.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
easy to operate. light flashes if not on track properly.(nice feature) doesn't seem to overheat.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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