ZW Transformer

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I have a newer ZW transformer, bought about five years ago. It works good but the dials are not working. I took off the top and noticed that the plastic that holds the two rheostats is cracked and this is causing the switches not to turn.
I opened the rheostats all the way and now they do preform good with the TMCC. Can I order that plastic piece from lionel if so what is the part name? Does anyone know?
Laz 57

2

There are several dealers who stock parts for ZWs, Warrens Trains at www.wmtlionelparts.com and Olsen’s Toy Train Parts at olsentoy.com to name two of them. You also need the Greenberg Lionel Postwar Repair Manual. This will give you part numbers and show you how it all goes together. ZWs are not difficult to repair, but if you are not familiar with this type of work I suggest that you either get help from someone who is or have it repaired by a professional. By the way, the line cord very likely needs to be replaced; check it very carefully.
Jim

3

Thanks Jim,
In that Lionel Post War Manual will that have parts numbers for the new ZW? The ZW is the one with the 2, 180 watt power blocks. Is there a modern manual?

4

laz 57,

Call Lionel service (number is on their website) and they should be able to help you as the new ZW is still in production.

Alternately, you could go to an authorized Lionel repair shop.

Regards.

5

Also there is a video on these things getting out of “sinc”. The nut on the control handles get loose and need tightening. This may have caused your cracking problem. I have the video [shows other things also].

6

I believe that this is a known problem with the early edition PWC ZWs. The more modern ones that came with the 180 watt Powerhouses have a metal plate rather than a plastic one, and I believe that the replacment Lionel will send you will be metal.

7

Sorry, I had the wrong ZW[oops]
Jim

8

Contact Lionel! Do not pay for this part! Ben is correct Lionel has new metal parts and will send them to you.

9

Thanks Marty for the " heads up" on not paying for the part, could use the extra cash for more train stuff.
Laz 57