How Do I Wire a Bell to a Postwar Transformer?

[ADCX Rob]

 

The Lionel 5906 is probably the simplest way to add bell function.

Or, if you are using a Type Z/V etc., w/o any whistle or bell control, you use two to add bell & whistle/horn:

 

[TrainLarry]

Welcome to the forum!

How did you wire the bell button to the layout? Did you wire it across the transformer terminals, or in line with one lead to the track?

 

Larry

[lionelsoni]

Don't you mean "5906"?  (The 6905 is a caboose.)

The 5906 is a very reasonable diode-based design.  Can you say more about how it failed?  Can you identify any failed diodes?  Open or shorted?

One alternative is to disconnect the internal rectifier in each of the A and D circuits and substitute an SPDT switch selecting between two external diodes wired with opposite polarity.

[Trainguy0524]

Hello Community,

I am crafting a layout for a small museum. I have a postwar ZW transformer that will be powering the two loops. As you probably already know ZWs don't have a bell wired to it directly. I have tried the 6-905 sound activation button. All it did was dim the lights on my layout and almost explode the transformer (If it had it wouldn't had been the first time a transformer had blown up under my not so watchful eye). I have scoured the internet and could not find an answer to this problem. With the deadline coming up soon for this project, I would really appreciate it if any of you had a good solution. feel free to share. I have been in the hobby for 6 wonderful years and know how to repair and modify most items. Graphs are helpful but not necessary. I know that there are other modern day transformers that have a bell wired in but I have already spent about $300 on another ZW for the museum. I thank you for your kindness and hope you have an answer.

Thanks,

 

Trainguy0524