CW-80 transformer layout size can it run

Yes???

The physical size of the layout does not matter. The CW80 will output up to 5A. It is designed to run one Lionel engine, a few accessories and some illuminated cars. Incandescent bulbs are your enemy. Most draw 150 or 250 mA, so 4 passenger cars with two bulbs each are drawing 1A. If they have LED lighting the current draw is minimal.

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Welcome aboard napo3575!

Physical size of the layout is not a factor, although distance can be. If there are parts of your layout that will be a long physical distance apart from the initial power connection you should add power feeds at regular intervals as real railroads do. I recommend a 14-18 AWG power bus with feed taps to the track every 5-10’.

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You could have a locomotive with a single can motor pulling three cars running on a few hundred feet of track and you wouldn’t tax a CW80(just watch for power drop along the track, run extra wires as mentioned).

You could have a small oval on your living room floor and you’d probably be pushing the limits of a CW80 if you have a postwar Lionel dual motored diesel with a dozen cars behind it.

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