Lucky!

[railfanespee4449]

I am getting the lionel camelback for Christmas! I don't know what RR- that's the surprise! What do you need to use Railsounds? I have a type 1041 transformer from the 50's Will i need a new transformer?

[wrmcclellan]

SP4449,

No problem. Railsounds (RS) works in Conventional - or if TMCC equipped - or Command mode. All that is needed is regular transformer power. Since RS and the Camelback (has a can motor) do not draw a lot of current - I think your 1041 will work fine as long as you are not pulling long strings of lighted passenger cars.

You will need to add a 9v Alkaline battery to the Camelback as instructed in the manual (in the tender) so the RS does not cut off when you cycle power for direction changes.

You will also need a 6-5906 whistle/bell controller to add so you can blow the whistle and the bell. The 1041 has a whistle buttom which may operate either the whistle or the bell, but not both. Using the 6-5906 in series with your A terminal to the track center rail will allow you to operate the whistle or bell (switch the red and black wires to get the one that the button on the 1041 does not operate). If memory serves me, there should be a 6-5906 in the box with the loco (the box to mine is buried in a closet).

Let us know how it works after the holiday!

Regards,
Roy

[railfanespee4449]

thanks. I will reply if the controller is included. Does anyone have one I could buy if none included?

[wrmcclellan]

Well I just checked the box of my first run Camelback (which is TMCC equipped) and it does not have a controller. I also noticed that Lionel no longer catalogs a controller either. An e-bay quick look did not show any 6-5906's for sale. If it were - they would probably be under $10.

I would avoid buying an older post war controller sight unseen because it may no longer work due to the silicon disc rectifier being bad (they can be replaced).

Check with your Lionel dealer to see if they have some. The 6-5906 is a fairly common unit.

We could also tell you how to build your own if someone can take one apart to look at the insides. It just uses some heavy duty (10 amp range) diodes and a push button. Mine are mounted under a cover with a transformer on top - so disassembly would not be easy - but I am willing to do so if no one else can provide the internal details.

Regards,
Roy

[lionelsoni]

Roy, its a copper-oxide rectifier, not silicon.

[willpick]

I've got a K-Line bell/whistle controller[p/n K-0952B] that is the functional eqivalent of the Lionel bell button. It can be set for whistle or bell function. I did open it once & sketched the schematic, but i lost the paper. If anybody's interested, i'll open it up and draw a schematic & parts list-- and email it to them---

[railfanespee4449]

Will a K-line controller work if I use it for the bell and my transformer for whistle?

[willpick]

Railfanespee4449- in a word: YES. The 952B was included in some of the K-line starter sets that had Railsounds- The person that I bought mine from on Ebay sold it and the 952 transformer from the set, as he had no need for them. It was also available as a separate sale item. I don't think that K-line is making them anymore, as their new transformer [model # 0956] has 120W output, and has a bell and whistle buttons. I don't need to keep the 952B, as I only use the transformer to power my test loop. Would be willing to ship it to you for postage(5$)

[railfanespee4449]

My adress is in my profile. Write it down as soon as you can and then reply that you have it written down. Then I will remove it from my profile. Please include your adress with the controller so I can mail you the payment.

[willpick]

Got your address, will ship tomorrow or thursday. Enjoy it!

[railfanespee4449]

thanks. Deleting adress.

[railfanespee4449]

Willpick- Fast Shipping!! I will mail you payment as well as a tape of my collection.