Opening Transformer Controller

[gottcent]

I have a 1990's Lionel #12885 40-watt starter set transformer. The whistle button on the controller sticks such that the whistle or horn wants to blow all the time. It seems like a simple fix--perhaps a spring adjustment, etc., but I can't get the plastic controller apart. There is a screw on the bottom that comes out easily but makes no difference in separating the two halves of the controller. Any suggestions?

                                                                                      John Gottcent

[phillyreading]

Is it the two halves of the transformer or the speed control handle that won't come apart?  Sometimes the transformers are rivoted together and are not repairable, without a lot of effort to re-assemble. You may have to drill out a screw or rivot and replace it with a long threaded machine screw, nut and lock washer.

The speed control handle should just pry straight up to remove, with a flat tip screwdriver.

Lee F.

[gottcent]

Thanks, Lee. I'll try your suggestion on the speed control handle. That could be holding the two halves of the controller in place.

                                                   John