?The best whistle?

[LocoPops]

If you are having trouble with the MRC PPD and your air whistles, try inserting a Lionel sound activation button between the transformer and the power line to the track. Press that button when you want the air whistle to blow. I’ll bet that will work. Just be sure the wires are connected right. If you get no sound, switch the two wire connections to the track.

Jim,

The sound activation button gives me the same results as the transformer button: A very nice whistle, but only with the throttle cranked way up.

LocoPops

Is your air whistle a modern can style or old style with an open framed motor? I talked to a fellow at MRC about this issue when I got mine. He told me that the unit was designed primarily with the new sound systems in mind. It does work extremely well with new electronic systems. But with air whistles, it’s hit or miss. Since I tuned up my post war air whistles, they work at lower voltages.

Jim

Jim,

These are both modern air whistles (Pennsy Flyer and Wabash).

Ed

[Jumijo]

Ed, the only suggestion I can offer you is to try some throttle jockeying when you want the whistle to blow. As you might have noticed, the trains will slow way down when the whistle button is pressed. Stepping up the power when you blow the whistle will stop the slow downs and may be enough to sound the whistles.

In spite of the air whistle issue, I believe the MRC PPD is an excellent value for the money. 275 W, dual volt and amp gauges, and two train throttles, direction, whistle, bell controls, for just over $200 at Charles Ro (where we got ours).

Jim

[LocoPops]

Jim,

Yeah, I still like the transformer. And thanks for your help.

LocoPops