lionel 2023 question

[Firesteel]

Ron, your transformer should have a button labeled "HORN/WHISTLE" or as Martin stated above, it may just say "WHISLTE." By simply pressing the button, the horn should activate. Of course "should" is the key word here as there are several things that can go wrong on these older horns. Some of the above posts describe various things to check. Good luck with your locomotive and welcome to the world of toy trains!

Bob, it looks like you entered your post as I was typing mine. Sorry for repeating some of your post. I really like your explanation far better than mine--alot more knowledge contained in your reply!

Karl

[lionelsoni]

I didn't realize that James was thinking about the axles of the cars.

I thought Martin's description of how the horn works pretty much covers it.  But apparently something still hasn't gotten across; so I'll give it a try:

The transformer normally sends to the track an alternating voltage which has an average value of zero.  If you have a transformer with a whistle control, it is designed to modify that alternating voltage so that it has an average value that is not zero, when you push or turn the whistle control.  If you don't have a transformer with a whistle control, or a separate whistle control for use with your transformer, the horn isn't going to work.

Inside the locomotive is a relay.  A relay is an electrically-operated electrical switch.  The one in the locomotive is especially designed not to respond to the normal alternating voltage with a zero average value.  But it does respond to the voltage with a non-zero average that the transformer's whistle control puts out.  When that happens, a switch or pair of contacts on the relay close, to connect the D cell to the horn, which then makes a noise that's supposed to sound like a diesel locomotive's horn.

[ron123]

I have a lionel ZW transformer and it has whistler controller that works for my other trains..

I heard nothing when using it .. no click. nothing

I put in a brand new battery and heard no sounds.. the battery compartment is very clean - no rust..

 

 

 

 

[ron123]

but how does it work? the battery is in but what triggers the horn to blow?

 

thanks

ron

[martinden]

Some very basic questions to start.

What transformer are you using? It does have a whistle control, right? Did you put a new, strong battery in the engine? If you turn the engine upside down, does the horn sound? When you push the whistle button (or move the lever) on the transformer, does anything at all happen? Clicking noise from the engine?

Martin 

[martinden]

There's a relay in the loco that responds to direct current, but not AC. The whistle control on your transformer puts an "overlay" of DC on the AC current which activates the relay in the engine; it closes, allowing the current from the battery to pass to the horn and power it. 

As somebody said, these things (horns and whistles, but especially the horns) can be tricky. There are many points at which the process can go wrong. The circuitry in the transformer might not send the DC signal or the DC voltage might not be great enough to operate the relay. The current from the battery may or may not make its way through the contacts of the relay, the horn may or may not be adequately grounded, the battery might not make good contact at both ends, and/or the horn itself may or may not be OK. All these things are old, possibly dirty or corroded. Also, 1.5 volts from the battery is not much, so any "impediment" (dirt, corrosion, etc.) will prevent it from completing the circuit, and so the horn doesn't blow.

You have to go systematically through the various possibilities; eventually you'll figure out what's wrong, and then be able to fix it. People here will be glad to help walk you through the diagnostic steps.

Martin

[sir james I]

Oiling the wheels on PW lionel cars makes a big difference in rolling ability. However Lionel recomenned using their gease instead. but oil works just fine.

[ron123]

but how does it work? the battery is in but what triggers the horn to blow?

 

thanks

ron

[ron123]

I am running the 2023 a & b with 5 cars at it runs fine. I am using track.. not sure what type - but I steel.. from the hobby store for my 'o' guage trains. I have some steam engines from the late 40's and 50's.

So, I guess pulling 5 cars is ok... nothing more to do.. right?

 

Also - do you know how to operate the horn? 

 

thanks

ron

[lionelsoni]

I doubt that oiling anything will increase the friction between the wheels and the rails.

[sir james I]

The old horns can be a problem. Make sure the battery has good contact. Turn it upside down and the horn should blow...IF it works. 2 things you can do to get better pulling power. Oil all the axles and put the dummy unit in front power unit facing the cars. they were nice engines but not too powerful with one motor.

[ron123]

I am running the 2023 a & b with 5 cars at it runs fine. I am using track.. not sure what type - but I steel.. from the hobby store for my 'o' guage trains. I have some steam engines from the late 40's and 50's.

So, I guess pulling 5 cars is ok... nothing more to do.. right?

 

Also - do you know how to operate the horn? 

 

thanks

ron

[lionelsoni]

The 2023 has magnetraction, which depends on having rails made of steel.  Ordinary tubular track and fastrack will work.  Brass, nickel silver, and most stainless steel will not.

If you're already using steel track, there's not much more that can be done, short of powering the dummy unit.  I have done this with mine, which can now pull a very long train; but it's not a simple fix.

[ron123]

I recently purchased a 2023 engine and  dummy engine - both run fine.  However, I am new to trains and just beginning my collection.  Regarding the 2023, how do you work the horn?  I put in a new 'd' battery but not sure how this works.  Also, when pulling several cars, the engine wheels seem to spin/slip.. maybe too maybe cars.. or is there something that i need to do to the wheels for better traction. 

 

Thanks

ron