On The Workbench - Episode 8 - Lionel GW-180 Transformer - Is it Worth It? 

My layout's not big enough for an MTH Z-4000 but I do use three Z-1000's. All my trains, pre-war, post war, and modern love 'em and work perfectly with them.

Yeah, for what I needed this for the Z4000 didn't fit the bill. But I have a Z4000 too and agree they are nice transformers.

Yeah, that was the issue in some generations of the CW-80. The new revised version they sell today is supposed to have that corrected.

Great idea.

Just depends how much power you need. The MTH Z4000 is a great mid-level transformer for around 600.00 but the Lionel ZW-L is the best out there right now, but of course close to 1000.00. If you just need power for 1 or 2 trains the GW is a great option as the Bricks are rock solid.

HAHA, yes, it's all about Amps! I think it is a great middle of the road option without breaking the bank.

@@seanstraindepot indeed!

Must be my OCD, lol.

The Z750 is 75 watts, the CW80 is 80 watts and the GW180 is 180 watts/10 amps. So, sounds like your CW80 had an issue or something, because the Z750 is actually less powerful.

@@seanstraindepot The CW80 is fine with smaller trains with fewer passenger cars. Maybe it's just a bit more delicate. Why I'm looking at GW-180. I'm right on the edge with both of these.

Yes, that's why it has the Fold Back protection first, then the breaker. You can add any additional protection on output, but it's not necessary. Basically, same way the ZW-L's protection works. But if it makes you feel better by all means add more.

Which Lionel switches are you using? Fastrack or postwar ?

You can get a vintage ZW for 150 or less, easy to maintain if they ever need work. The Kw and z and other older larger Lionel transformers are less money and great for powering lots of accessories. I use some of the old 100 watt Marx transformers for accessories. They go for almost nothing at train shows. The modern Lionel transformers are not very reliable, not a good value, and best avoided unless you need more modern features for the newer trains. American Flyer made some nice transformers too.

@@Wiencourager I ended up with a couple CW 80's to split the accessories between the two for now. I'll upgrade at some point.

This is just power for the track. Doesn't have anything to do with Command control functions.

@@seanstraindepot OK thanks . Just to clarify I would just be ablet to do speed, direction, whistle, and bell but no dialogue correct. Sorry I am new to this hobby.

@@adamsspinasbeck8576 Is it a Lionel or MTH engine? TMCC, Legacy or PS2 or PS3? In general, you need a command control system, but some things can be controlled conventionally depending which manufacturer and control system.

@@seanstraindepot It's a Lionel C&O 2-10-4 Texas with TMCC I believe.

The CW-80 is only 80 watts and only 5 amps max of current (although that should be plenty for a single engine), whereas the GW-180 goes up to 10 amps. The CW-80 was also known to have output issues. Most very good transformers are not cheap. You would probably be very happy with MTH's Z-4000 transformer, but it is not cheap (about 625.00) www.nicholassmithtrains.com/Z-4000-TRANSFORMER-MTH404000-10953/ unless you find a good used one. Also, any good postwar transformer is perfect for traditional engines, like the postwar ZW. Depends how much you want to spend. a refurbished postwar ZW would work perfect in your case. They cost around 125.00 or so. Worth every penny. Contact me if you want the contact information for a guy who is at the York Train meet every year and sells refurbished ZW's with a 2-year warranty. I have purchased 2 transformers from him myself.

I am in no way an expert when it comes to conventional 3-rail AC/ Standard Gauge as my primary is HO and 2-rail DCC. But I do notice my CW-80 tends to do a rapid single blink when I activate the whistle and the train slows down. Not to mention if I run a 400E (Traditional) with the tender and the passenger-lighted cars or freight cars, ends up using a lot of power. These are the semi-old 1989 and 1998 runs of the 400E's. It is very hard to do crawl speed on these things. The transformer goes from starting the engine at throttle 70 to nearly 90. Also, I am wondering if it's because my CW80 is not made for Standard but rather O-Gauge. It's already annoying that I have to raise the throttle more than halfway to get the engine moving and raise the throttle to 90 just to get a train moving at a slow speed.. Also if I run the train too long, it would just shut down. I assume it might have overloaded. @@seanstraindepot

So first off, when you blow the whistle on conventional, it sends a DC offset to the track. It is normal for the engine to change speed, that's how it works. Second, transformers are not specific to any gauge. It's all about Amps. Standard Gauge motors don't really use any more amps than an O Gauge motor. Maybe 1 or 2. Only way to tell how many amps it is drawing is to put an ammeter around the power wire going to your track. If it is one engine doing it, could be a problem with the AC motor or engine. Third, the incandescent lights in passenger cars draw a lot of amps. So that takes away from the overall amps available to use for the motor. Sounds like it is overloaded, and you just need a beefier transformer. If all you are going to run is conventional, I would get a postwar ZW. If you have the money the MTH Z4000 is a fantastic transformer.

HAHA, I needed a transformer fast and had no time to find a used postwar that was working/safe /refurbished, so this fit the bill.

It was only 259.00 on sale, free ship. So not bad for 10 amps of power and double circuit protection. I needed something small and compact for where I was going to put it. It's a capable transformer. Refurbished PW transformers are great, I have those too.

After looking around on the web, my CW-80 does not have the female plug connection on the side of the transformer's case, so I don't think it is possible to use the brick.