Postwar 0-4-0 1656 / 6403B Bell Ringer Question

[EIS2]

The bell ringer on my 6403B tender requires a high voltage to ring the bell.  Unfortunately I can't operate my 0-4-0 1656 engine at that voltage because it will fly off the track.  Is there a fix for this situation?  I do not want to modify the engine as I want it to remain original postwar.

Thanks...

Earl

[TrainLarry]

  There is not much information available for this tender, no pictorial, just a parts list.

  The bell seems to be operated by a bi-metallic thermostatic switch, similar to the self-resetting circuit breakers in our transformers. The part, 83-10, does not seem to be available. I  am not aware of any modern re-issue of this tender, perhaps with updated electronic activation of the bell. Maybe other forum members can answer that question. If the contacts are accessible, make sure they are clean and closing properly. If that does not work, the operating current of the bell would need to be measured, and a miniature 12 volt self-resetting circuit beaker of that current would need to be found and installed. There are electronic flasher and timer circuit boards available, but they all need constant accessory voltage to operate, and probably would not operate properly on variable track voltage. Again, other forum members may be able to answer this better.

Larry