Whistles only work without a train on the track

[schacktnut]

hello,

im new to postwar Lionel trains and I have inherited a nice collection that I’m testing.

i’m having an issue with multiple whistling tenders working great when on the track without a train, but once I add a train the whistles will not sound.  I have change out the tenders and the trains and get the same results.  I have also tried a 1033, ZW and KW transformer.... no luck.  Any thoughts on what I’m doing incorrectly?

 

if it’s a transformer issues , do I just have bad luck that all transformers having issues?

 

thanks for any help

kevin

[TrainLarry]

Welcome to the forum!

First, clean all your track, and all the wheels and pickup rollers on your trains with Naphtha.

Oil the axle bearings of all the rolling stock with a drop of Labelle #107 oil.

Next, the whistle motors in the tenders should be serviced, with a good cleaning and lubrication.

Lastly, the whistle rectifier discs in the transformers should be replaced.

Doing all the above should get your trains running smoothly, and your tenders whistling when rolling.

 

Larry

[lionelsoni]

What do you mean by, "...once I add a train the whistles will not sound."  Is a train a locomotive, lighted cars, unlighted cars, or what?

Take off the tender shells, locate the whistle relay, and determine whether the relay operates when you move the transformer control.  That should help to isolate the problem.

[schacktnut]

Thanks for the quick replies.  The tender has been serviced and when it on on the track by itself it whistle blows very well. Once I add a locomotive, the whistle will not blow.

[schacktnut]

I just pull out a forth transformer and all seems to work.  I guess the first 3 need the rectifiers replaced .....work you agree?  And would you recommend going with the diode  instead of replacing the disc?

 

thanks again