Outboard Controllers

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

In the current issue of CTT (Oct 03), in an article by Ray Plummer about postwar transformers, there is a comment about outboard controllers. It reads " These outboard controllers, when wired in reverse, also can activate bells on modern locomotives with sound systems. Does this mean that an old Lionel Whistle Controller could be used to activate a bell when used with a ZW? I have four MTH locos that have, both, bell and whistle, but only the whistle can be activated with the ZW.
Where could I get more information and a more detailed description of the wiring involved.

2

Yes. You would wire the whistle controller, probably a 167, in series with the transformer output, probably terminal A or D of a ZW. Wired one way, it would activate the whistle; with the wires swapped, it would activate the bell. You can get detailed information at http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd3.htm?itm=705

3

Thanks for the information. I have been looking for a way to be able to use the bell feature on the locomotive without having to buy a more modern transformer. Thanks again.
John Walker

4

In the current issue of CTT (Oct 03), in an article by Ray Plummer about postwar transformers, there is a comment about outboard controllers. It reads " These outboard controllers, when wired in reverse, also can activate bells on modern locomotives with sound systems. Does this mean that an old Lionel Whistle Controller could be used to activate a bell when used with a ZW? I have four MTH locos that have, both, bell and whistle, but only the whistle can be activated with the ZW.
Where could I get more information and a more detailed description of the wiring involved.

5

Yes. You would wire the whistle controller, probably a 167, in series with the transformer output, probably terminal A or D of a ZW. Wired one way, it would activate the whistle; with the wires swapped, it would activate the bell. You can get detailed information at http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd3.htm?itm=705

6

Thanks for the information. I have been looking for a way to be able to use the bell feature on the locomotive without having to buy a more modern transformer. Thanks again.
John Walker