I purchased a Lionel Polar Express O gauge ready to run set for Christmas this year and have experienced some issues that I’d like to troubleshoot. Power & Smoke Issues I’m using the out of box setup with no extra track or accessories. I’m experiencing what appears to be power issues with the CW-80. After plugging the CW-80 in the train powers on and works as it should. If I stop the train and go to start it again by slowly lifting the lever on the CW-80 the train lights power on but the train does not move. If I move the lever to the stop position and slowly lift again the train goes in reverse. If I lower the lever to stop the train and slowly lift the lever then the train powers on but does not move. Finally if I lift the lever again it moves in the correct direction and functions as desired. This cycle of behavior consistently repeats leading me to believe I have an issue with the CW-80 or maybe the locomotive. I’ve checked and double checked the connection between the CW-80 and the track. On the locomotive the reverse switch is in the off position, the smoke switch is on. I’m not sure if its related but I haven’t had any luck getting smoke to work either, I’ve seen what appears to be a couple smaller puffs once or twice, then nothing. I’ve tried applying 2-3 drops of oil twice (30min apart) with no change in behavior. What else should I try to troubleshoot the issues I’m experiencing? I’m tempted to return the unit as I’m still within the return timeframe. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks for letting me join and ask a question in what appears to be a vibrant online community.
Mine does the same thing - The direction button works sometimes IF I hold it down for a few seconds – The Forward Reverse Neutral Power up Power Dwon Cycle is built into the system But the Instrcutions don’t tell you that.
I have been trying to get some answers for the fastrack switches I bought - 95.00 each - they don’t work - I even watched a you tube vid on how to wire them
You tube has almost any answer to any question - You just need to enter the best search terms for what your looking for - ADD model and parts Numbers etc etc CW80 -
THE SMOKE ON MINE ONLY works when I ran full throttle for a few minutes… I am very disappointed - I bought the train for my grandson ( I AM 65 ) and remember my TRAINS FROM MY CHILDHOOD - never hAD problems back then it seems ---- I built an 8x8 foot layout board that folds up against a wall on my lanai ( that a patio in florida ) It’s so big and heavy it takes a block and tackle to hoist it ---- I AM editing a video for You Tube and it should be there in a few days
I also sell the plans for the “fold up train board plans” on Ebay
With the CW-80 there could be a problem with it shutting down enuff to cycle to reverse and nuetral, a simple fix is to install a push button switch that breaks the current for a second or two, a momentary off switch or toggle switch would do the same, between the CW-80 and the track power hook-up. Most stuff today is made in China, so the quality is not that good.
Normal function as per page 7 of the manual:
And on page 13:
Also, you need to add more smoke fluid and follow the directions:
First off —> [#welcome] Tyler.
ADCX is correct. It is performing exactly as all 3-rail engines perform. If you just want it to run in forward, refer to the manual, which I believe you have to power down and turn a switch inside the cab.
I received the Christmas version of the Hogwart’s engine, the Santa Flyer, and it is a beautifully designed steamer and a decent puller as well. The smoke unit is a little underwhelming, but I like the different output it gives.
If you are floor running, make sure you keep the track clean.
[#welcome]
Years ago there was a good discussion on the forum about smoke. Basically, people add recitifers to the motor lead. Many of remove the materials from the smoke unit and add pink insulation. We also then take the wicking material off of the smoke resistor.
Smoke units in the first run of the Polar Express looked like this:
Thanks Buckeye for bringing that forward. Also, my Polar Express passenger cars flicker more than I liked. Added about 3 ozs of fishing weight to each car. Stopped flickering. Takes a little more to get the engine moving but smokes more and more as the voltage is higher to pull the extra weight.
The cycling of the Reverse Unit has worked that way since Lionel “borrowed” the mechanical design from Ives in the late 1920’s.
The Smoke Unit is designed to not burn out at the higher voltages required if you purchased all of the add-on cars available for the Polar Express. If you run the complete train, the loco will require a much higher voltage to move, and the smoke unit will be more prolific.
Jon [8D]
Tylerwelch and anyone else interested,
Perhaps you didn’t receive manuals for your modern transformer and/or locomotive. Such manuals are online, and can be downloaded and printed out at the Lionel.com website, but can be a bit tricky to find.
A manual for the CW-80 is at http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/71-4198-250.pdf if the link works. There are actually a couple of manuals for the CW-80, reflecting changes made in their design and production over the years. I don’t know for sure whether this is the current one, but it will probably do. Seriously, you have to study it. If anything, they contain too little rather than too much information.
Part of the “problem” with your locomotive is due to the slightly misleading labeling of the “Reverse” switch. It actually refers to a 3-position electronic E-unit which is built-in your locomotive. An E-unit is a device which when in the “OFF” position, allows the locomotive to run in one direction only.The throttle and directional switches have no effect on it.The locomotive continues to go in the direction it was headed (including Neutral, I think) when the E-unit switch was set to OFF. In the OFF position, the E-unit is out of the circuit. The switch should properly be labled something like “Directional control system activation unit: ON ---- OFF” or perhaps “Enable-----Disable” but it would not fit next to the switch.[(-D]
When the Reverse switch is set to “ON” it activates the E-unit and is the correct position for most normal operation. It enables the direction control buttons, the throttle lever, and anything else that interrupts the current to the locomotive for just an instant, such as a bounce. Repeated pressing ot the direction button or pulling the throttle back to zero causes the E-unit to “step” its way through a
There is nothing magical about the pink color of the insulation. That is just a trademark of the manufacturer Owens-Corning. Any other (usually yellow) glass-wool insulation should work as well. I have several times suggested that someone who needs to replace a smoke generator’s wick try rock wool instead and report how it works. It has a melting point about 500°C higher than glass wool.