Whistle tender troble

[dennyblock]

Just got a lionel 1400 steamer with 8050T tender. The tender has a box type whistle driven by a can motor but instead of a relay has a circuit board. How can I check to see why it dosen't blow? I'm using a TW transformer and my postwar whistles work ok. Maybe this newer rig needs a different powerpack? A relay setup I could figure out but I don't want to fry something[smoke should come from the smokestack not the circuit board[:)] ] Also can someone tell me about this engine, I'm told it is from low end sets. It looks like new and runs super, got it for $40. Thanks, Newbe Denny

[dwiemer]

Start with the basics. I don't have this engine, but I have seen some posts of problems with wires not connected, poor solder joints, and other simple fixes. Then call the lionel tech center from the web site. Good luck. Sorry I don't have more information for you. Could be a few things, but look at the easy fixes first before getting into the boards.
Dennis

[dennyblock]

I checked all the connections, all seem tight. Can I jump track power directly to the can motor for a test?

[lionelsoni]

No. The can motor wants DC, and your track voltage is AC.

[ben10ben]

You might first try reversing the wires to the track. Postwar relays aren't polarity sensitive, but more modern electronic relays are. This is to facilitate indepent actuation of the whistle and bell, with a + DC offset activating the whistle, and a - activating the bell(if so equipped).

[Jumijo]

Try a different power source. I have an MRC Dual Controller and it won't blow air whistles.

Jim

[dennyblock]

I reversed the wires at the lockon and she works[:D] , its now A to U and U to A, will it matter?

[martinden]

On a TW, and other single-train postwar transformers such as the 1033, RW, LW, etc., U goes to the center rail, and A goes to the outer rail; on most, B can be used to provide a lower voltage range. Only the early TWs (made in 1953) had a B post -- later ones did not. On multiple train transformers -- V, Z, VW, ZW, KW, and SW -- the U posts are common or base. Why Lionel used the U posts in two different (opposite) ways is a real mystery, but it leads to endless -- though unnecessary -- confusion.

On your TW, if you now have the U to the center rail, you're fine. If they're reversed (U to the outside), it won't cause any problems in running the train alone, but if/when you start to hook up accessories that involve track voltage (e.g., the fixed-voltage plugs on 022 switches), you'll be in trouble.