"Audio Engineer" -- More information

[Algonquin]

The "Audio Engineer" shown on page 23 of the July 2001 Classic Toy Trains seemed familiar to me, so I did a little review of some of my references. I found this accessory listed for sale in the 1956 Montgomery Wards Christmas Book (Catalog)on page 206. The ad describes the accessory as follows:

[New precision-built instrument. Controls trains by spoken command "Go", "Stop", "Back-up". Red and green signal lights flash commands. Operates from train transformer. Plastic control box 5 x 7 in. with circuit breaker, power leads, bulbs, matching microphone. Instructions included.]

The "Audio Engineer" was listed for a price of $4.95. There was no reference to this accessory in any of the earlier or later Wards catalogs. 1956 appears to be the only year it was available through Montgomery Wards.

Tim Pignatari

[Anonymous]

Hi Tim,

Apparently the "Audio Engineer" struck a chord with many other CTT readers, too. We received a number of letters about it, and one reader sent a digital photo of his in a yellow and white instead of red and white box. I also received a copy of an Audio Engineer instruction sheet (ours was missing), which said the device was made in conjunction with Marx (although it will work on any toy train).

Neil Besougloff
Editor, CTT

[Algonquin]

Hi Neil,

Thanks for the additional info.

I would be interested to hear from other readers on this accessory. I would really be interested to hear from someone who operates it. We use a Lionel 465 Sound Dispatching Station on our layout. I don't have it connected to the tracks, but kids love to hear themselves call out train orders with it.

Regards,

Tim Pignatari