Trains.com

ZW transformer question

2018 views
5 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
ZW transformer question
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 2, 2006 5:25 AM
I'm sure this has been asked before (just went back 56 pages on forum and couldn't find anything), so I'll ask again....

I have an older ZW that works great except for the whistle, whenever I move the whistle lever, the train speeds up and no whistle blows, I am running a Lionel Penn. flyer with tender and a Lionel Thomas the Tank. Thanks for your help.....tom.....GO IRISH....
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 2, 2006 7:12 AM
The old copper disc rectifiers on your ZW are shot. You can replace or have them replaced with $3.50 40 amp Stud Rectifier Diodes[annode+ to case type].

As an alternative you can buy an aftermarket horn/whistle "button box" and wire it to the transformer's output.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 2, 2006 7:34 AM
Leonard, where would I buy an aftermarket horn/whistle button box?.....
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 2, 2006 7:37 AM
Hi I am interested in horn/whistle box. Where and what is the cost of this add on ?
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Willoughby, Ohio
  • 5,231 posts
Posted by spankybird on Monday, January 2, 2006 7:46 AM


They cost about $15.00 and can be used either for horn or bell, just depends on how you wire them.

Here is one place to order it from

http://www.wmtlionelparts.com

I did notice that there site didn't have the price on it. [?] [?]

IT normally about $15.00 each

Just wire it in seires, red wire to transformer, black wire to center rail for bell operation.

I am a person with a very active inner child. This is why my wife loves me so. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. OTTS Founder www.spankybird.shutterfly.com 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 2, 2006 8:45 AM
Spanky gives a good site to order from.
Most of the N.C. Dealers that I frequent carry the horn/bell buttons in stock. If you are close to a dealer in your area give them a call.
Many of the postwar engines being duplicated in the late '80s--early '90s came with a bell button in the box.

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month