I just purchased a SD 90 Norfolk Southern Engine the other day. The train runs great but the true blast II sound does not seem to be working at all. I am using a CW-80 transformer that came with a Lionel Polar Express set. The bell and horn buttons on the transformer operate lionel trains and cars just fine. Is there something that I can do to further diagnose this or do I need to just send it back to the place that I purchased it?
Try using another transformer as the CW-80 will not always work with Williams horn units. Use an Atlas O or MTH, or older Lionel transformer with your Williams engine and see what happens.
Lee F.
I had the same problem with the William's Peter Witt streetcar. As it turned out I had a troublesome CW-80 transformer. I tried other transformers and then it worked. I even tried another CW-80 transformer and it worked on it. So I guess the moral of the story is to test another transformer!
W/WBB also work well on TMCC Conv. with a Cab-1/PowerHouse/PowerMaster!
The CW-80 by Lionel has what is called a chopped sign wave and this is what causes problems for most non-Lionel engines. Also Lionel admitted that the first run of CW-80's were wired wrong internally, which lead to many a problem, and that is probally where the term "can't work 80" came from.
I have found that the Z-1000 by MTH works well with all Williams engines, and works well at low speeds also.
Lee F.
in frozen West Palm Beach FL
Since I model the Alaska Railroad, I've had to wait some time for another Williams and/or Williams by Bachmann power unit in my favorite livery (already have the GP38-2). Today I received my Alaska SD-90 and I'm pleased to report that it is all that I expected it to be. Looks great, and it is a smooth and quiet runner. Everything worked well, right out of the box, and that has been the case for all the Williams locomotives I have ever purchased. A very nice locomotive in every respect, and a nice addition to my ever-growing Alaska RR roster.
The ARR and KCS 90's need unpowered dummy units. the KCS one could be the KCSdeM!
Will we ever see a review of the Alaska SD-90, Allan?