Older Lionel Transformers - new trains with sounds.

[frankhjb]

My first post so please excuse me of this subject has already been discussed. I have two KW transformers; one is mine from 1957 that has been refurbished and the other is one that I purchased from the person that did refurbishing. Both work extremely well. My concern is that I have a mix of older locomotives that sound just the horn (when activated) , others that have horn and bell capabilities, and a growing collection of locos that have prosound and bells , whistles, smoke , etc. With the KW's the only control is for whistle and when activating, some units sound the whistle while others the bell, etc. I am going to expand my layout to have a suspended track system (from the ceiling of my home office) and intend to make this for "passenger service" and redoing a 5' x 8' platform for freight, etc. OK, finally the question: Is there a conversion adaptor to allow the KW's to do bells and whistles. Or do I buy the MRC Pure Power Dual that I have been lusting after and use the KW's to power lights, switches, etc? Your time spent reading and responding to this is appreciated and I thank you in advance. Frank B - Williamsburg, VA (a train / hobby store desert!)

[Wabashbud]

 After using an old (read not rebuilt) KW and a CW-80 to run my MTH and Lionel trains and not completely satisfied, I switched to Z-1000's.  Best move I could have made.  I feel you'll be much happier with the MRC in the long run.  Save the KW's for accessory  power and get-r-done.  I'll bet you'll not only be happier but won't be looking at problems in the future.  Just my opinion.

 

Bud

[Pennsylvania Station]

frankhjb

OK, finally the question: Is there a conversion adaptor to allow the KW's to do bells and whistles.

Yes, there is.

Lionel makes a #5906 Sound Activation Button that allows pre/postwar Lionel transformers to blow the whistle and ring the bell of more modern Lionel locomotives that have both.

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/7309/lionelsoundactivationbu.jpg

[frankhjb]

Thanks much. This is exactly what I need! Regards, Frank B