whistel tender relay help

[Model A]

HI

 I HAVE AN OLDER LIONEL WHISTLE TENDER . IT'S SEEMS THE RELAY HAS BECOME MAGNITIZED AND IS HOLDING THE WHISTLE IN THE  ON POSITION. I WAS AT A TRAIN SHOW TODAY, AND SOMEONE TOLD ME I DIDN'T NEED A NEW RELAY, I ONLY HAD TO DEMAGNITIZE THE OLD RELAY AS NEW PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE . COULD SOMEONE PLEASE  TELL ME HOW TO DEMAGNITIZE THE RELAY SO I CAN MAKE USE OF THE TENDER.  THANK YOU MODEL A

[lionelsoni]

Just try sticking a small piece of masking tape to the polepiece under the armature.

[martinden]

Second Bob's suggestion -- I've done it a couple of times, and it does work.

[Model A]

HI

 thankyou  for the help sure beat buy a new relay when the old still is working somewhat ok

model a 

[daan]

Demagnetation is simple, but a bit of work. You need to remove the weakiron core of the magnet and heat it up until it has a cherry red glowing color. (on a gas stove of with a torch) But be carefull, since the iron is weaker in that state. then simply leave it to cool off.

The polarisation of the iron core should be eliminated by that. (but as long as a simple piece of masking tape soes the trick...)