Sticky Whistle Tender

[BobbyDing]

Hey Folks,
I have a post war whistle tender that needs some attention, and I was hoping some of you might have seen this before. The whisle works, but the relay chatters loudly when activated, and when the whistle control is released, the relay stays on whith the relay chattering away. I have to lift it off the track to get it to stop. I have other whistle tenders that work fine off this track and transformer. When not powered, the relay arm moves up and down freely, and the contact opens and closes OK. I figured I would take the unit apart for some gentle cleaning, but I was hoping somebody could give me a few things to look for. Like do I need to increase the distance between the relay are and the coil?

Thanks,

Bobby

[BobbyDing]

Had some time to think about this today, and I'm wondering if the whistle motor maybe has a shorted winding (or something like that) that's causing one side of the AC wave to clip, creating a DC pulse on the track. That would cause the relay to chatter, and to keep chattering as long as the whistle motor keeps spinning, which it will do as long as the relay remains on (chattering). Self perpetuating. Until it's lifted off the track. Well, it's all speculation rite now. I'll try disconnecting the whistle motor tonght and see if the relay still chatters. Maybe it's the relay windings that are shorted. Stay tuned. If you care! HA!

Bobby

[1688torpedo]

Hello Bobby! Spray the Relay Contacts with TV Tuner Cleaner.(you can get this from any Electronic's Surplus Warehouse or shop) this should help out. If by Chance the relay is bad, Then Try Dr,Tinker's Toy Train Parts for one. Also, Clean & Oil the Whistle Motor as well since that could be part of the problem also. Take Care & let us know what happens.