LIONEL (CW-40) 40 WATT TRANSFORMER PowerMax powerpack control train

Used this with a post war Lionel

Works fine for an entry-level controller for my O-36 trains set up around the Christmas tree.

Lionel has several transformers of which four are most common. The CW40, CW80, GW180 and ZW-L. They provide 40, 80, 180 and 720 watts respectively. If you have a basic oval track, then the CW40 is fine. If you start expanding your track, adding accessories or adding lighted cars, then you'll want to move up to the CW80. We have an enclosed figure 8 on a 4' x 8' layout with a few accessories and are pretty much at the upper limit of what the CW80 can handle. The GW180 is similar to the CWs with the additional power. The CWs and GW have a single lever so you can only control one circuit or train. The ZW costs around seven hundred dollars so that is clearly for the serious train enthusiast. The CW40 works fine, but I would recommend spending the extra money and moving up to at least the CW80 for the additional power. Also, new CW80s are often available on ebay for sixty to seventy dollars.

Althrough it wasn't new, it's like new & york trains went out of their way to make good on the connectors, because the box was opened. I also was on the phone with the owner, and he was honest with me about where the item came from, and couldn't do enough for me. Thank you.

Looks great!