I am constructing my control panel fro my soon to be constructed layout. In true 40s fashion i am using three Type A 90 watt transformers for the trains and a type Q 75 watt for accessories and switches. I have no built in whistle controls and dont want to use 66s or 167s as they are unreliable inefficient and full of asbestos insulation so you cant even repair them. I was wondering if there was an option for another unit. I knnow of nothing Lionel made. Has anyone cobbled something up from a diode. I am fairly ignorant of Electronics so if i had to build it it would have to be simple. Any suggestions?
Ivesboy,
You might consider the Lionel Sound Activation Button #610-5906-001. One will do if all you want is a whistle controller; you need two if want both whistle and bell controls. The bad news is that the item has disappeared from the replacement parts list at Lionel Customer Service; however, some dealers or parts suppliers may still have them, and they turn up regularly on eBay…
It’s possible that Lionel has replaced them (there are other such buttons on the current Lionel website, but I can’t figure out which ones might work for you and which ones will not. At least one definitely will not.) I’d start by giving them a call.
You might not like the looks of the 5906. Mine have worked all right, but stylistically they are a very poor match for the old 167 controller and don’t mount very well to a panel – I used double-sided foam tape.)
Here is a link to the hook up instructions for this item:
http://www.lionel.com/media/servicedocuments/6951_5906soundbutton.pdf
Here is a link to a recent thread on this forum. A search of the archives may reveal more. The last post, by Bob (lionelsoni) Nelson suggests that there are circuit diagrams for build it yourself controllers here also. For openers, try an “advanced search” using “lionelsoni” as author and go from there.
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/139178.aspx
Good hunting!
It’s a good subject and found a thread last June.It’s not the first but the best, with diagrams.
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/130278/1468409.aspx#1468409