Matt,
Only the horn itself is battery operated, not the relay. The relay is operated by a DC voltage from the transformer whistle control. To test the horn, connect the battery directly to the horn wire and the body of the horn, and you should hear the horn. Adjust the screw on the horn for best sound.
To test the relay, put the loco on the track, turn on the power, get the loco in neutral, and push the whistle knob/button. You should see and hear the relay pick up. If it does not, the rectifier disc in the transformer may be bad. Try another whistle tender or horn equipped loco to verify the transformer will operate the horn relay.
Here is the wiring diagram for the Alco locomotives.
Larry
I recently bought a Lionel 2032 ALCO and cannot get the horn to work after hours messing with it. I took it apart very carefully(tabs) and it looks pretty clean inside but still took some 400 grit sandpaper and gently sanded all contacts. Result, no matter how I run the D battery wiring through it I cannot get the solenoid to make any pull. no sound no nothing. Is the solenoid simply shot? It looks fine. Has a nice black tape wrapped around the red coils and no sign of arcing or corrosion. Any tips would be very much appreciated.
mattyboy57
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