Hey everyone. So I recently bought a 70’s Lionel Blue Comet that was allegedly never used.
Now I’m fully aware of the bad foam in these old MPC era tenders and made sure to install some new protection for the sound board before I put it on the track.
The sound board does indeed work, the locomotive produces the chuffing sounds just fine, but for whatever reason the whistle isn’t responding whatsoever. I’ve tried cleaning the wheels and pickup rollers, I’ve taken the tender apart at least twice now, and my father (who’s much more tech savvy than me) can’t find anything wrong with the board, nor the wires.
I briefly considered it being my transformer, a Lionel GW-180, but that doesn’t make sense as I have an MPC era Chessie Special Berkshire, and it whistles perfectly. Does anyone know what could be going on, or where I could get a replacement board? I’m desperate to get this engine whistling again, and I would greatly appreciate any help I can get here.
UPDATE: So what others have pointed out, mine is most likely from a time where Lionel temporarily didn’t include the whistle, so nothing is wrong with the board, thankfully!
I may eventually look into switching out the board for one that does include a whistle, but for now, I can rest. Thank you to the users who have helped out. I’m still a new to the world of vintage Lionel, so I’m very grateful for you guys!
Welcome to the forum, Tough_As_Nails! I don’t have an answer, but I’m sure someone else on the forum will be able to help. Let us know what you find out.
Umm, I could be wrong-wrong-wrong but I read somewhere the MPC Blue Comet had “Mighty Sound of Steam” but didn’t whistle to begin with. So there may be nothing wrong with it.
If it’s still got the original box and owners manual see if it says anything about whistling in addition to MSoS. At any rate 50 years is a long time for a circuit board, I’m surprised yours is still working. The engine I bought with MSoS (1980 vintage) let out a blood-curdling scream the first time I powered it up! I’ve called it “Mighty Sound of Scream” ever since!
Someone please correct me if I’m wrong on this.
And welcome to the Forum!
I just found this video of an MPC Blue Comet in action along with some other MPC steamers of the same era. I hear lots of MSoS but no whistles from any of them.
In fact, looking at the features listed on the box I don’t see any mention of a whistle at all.
All that being said you’ve got a real goodie there! MPC Era Blue Comets are just as hot an item as they ever were and the same can’t be said for a lot of the others.
Apparently early ones (1970- ~1972) had a whistle, then MPC had a problem with their parts supplier and dropped it. Then a different whistle came back at the end of the '70s.
I do believe you are correct. I can’t find any mention of a whistle on the box (unlike the Chessie Special), and I don’t have the manual. So while it is a shame it doesn’t feature one, the engine is in very good shape and I’m glad I have it regardless. Thank you for your help!
I’m guessing mine is from that period where the whistle was absent. The box has a copyright of 1978 on it, so right before the return. But I’m relieved to know there’s most likely nothing with it.
Good idea, but if you do remember to de-activate the switch up by the smoke unit. Basically tie the switch down or remove it entirely and splice the wires. If you leave the switch in you won’t get constant power to your replacement sound unit if you place it in the tender.
(Ask me how I know. )
Also, if your baggage car has lights (i.e.power) you can always install the sound unit in there. Been there, done that!
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