Post war Diesel changes direction when trying to blow the horn...

[chelseatrains]

When I try to blow the horn it cycles the e unit and the horn does not work. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you--- Jim

[lionelsoni]

Is this a locomotive that used to work normally, or did you just acquire it?  There is an alternate wiring, which Lionel called "Magic Electrol", that behaved as you describe:  http://www.toytrainrevue.com/relay.htm

[cwburfle]

Do you have other engines that work properly?
Sometimes the problem described can be caused by the whistle control within the transformer.

[Trian Rat]

I have a couple of old post war transformers that do this. It is likely the contacts on the whistle switch are in need of cleaning.

 

Roger

[chelseatrains]

This and the TW transformer are both new purchases and they are both the only items from this era that I have. Most of mine are newer no frills 027 items so I have no way to compare them. I will check the transformer to see if my other engines change direction when I hit the whistle lever. Thank you very much--- Jim