Is it common for the relay in a postwar tender to be unreliable? Mine is, I have to hold the button down and wait for the whistle to come on. Is there a way I can fix this?
Ours, actually my dad’s old 2025, works just like that. Have to hold down and wait for it to make any sound. It works better if the loco is in neutral.
Might be the transformer. What do you use? We use an MRC Dual power O27.
I use an MTH Z-1000. It’s brand new less than a year old. I don’t think it’s the transformer because all the newer air whistles come on.
Should have been clearer on that. I think the transformer we use is not the best for older locomotives, why I thought you might be using a newer one too (and you are).
Could be the newer transformers just aren’t set up to send out the right amount of DC power for older fan driven whistles. Not sure if what I’m talking about has any merit as we have not tested the old 2025 with say a ZW or KW in many many years. I just figured it was the MRC transformer we use since all of the newer sounds work perfectly.
I have the same issue with CW-80 and postwar whistles. They do work fine however using a 1044. Probably has to do with the type of DC signal the newer transformers put out. You can find some discussion on it here http://cs.trains.com/forums/1340042/ShowPost.aspx.
don
I noticed the same with all of my postwar whistle and horn relays as well. I only have postwar transformers so cant help on the transformer end but maybe theres a spot you can oil to smoothen the operation? I just do the same…hold and wait or more volts.
Also, If you have a big loop be sure to use feeders because my whistles barely sound and engines barely move when I activate the whistle on the far end of the loop.
Theres not much of a place to lubricate the action of the relay. When I take the shell off the tender, the relay lever pulls up, but not far enough to close the circuit. Only after several trys it works like it should. Should I bend the relay bar or tab so It will have better contact with the other tab on the relay?
There’s no harm in doing that, as long as it reliably comes open when the relay is released.
Which one should I bend? the tab that moves upward or the one on top? I’m new to the postwar train thing.
I would bend the one attached to the armature, which is the one on the bottom.
Thank you. I bent the one attacted to the armature and now the whistle blows every time just like new. I got the wire fixed on the tender too. Now the air whistle is LOUD and it almost hurts my ears!!! LOL postwar steam locomotives rule!!![swg]