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ZW transformer question

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ZW transformer question
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 2, 2006 5:25 AM
I'm sure this has been asked before (just went back 56 pages on forum and couldn't find anything), so I'll ask again....

I have an older ZW that works great except for the whistle, whenever I move the whistle lever, the train speeds up and no whistle blows, I am running a Lionel Penn. flyer with tender and a Lionel Thomas the Tank. Thanks for your help.....tom.....GO IRISH....
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 2, 2006 7:12 AM
The old copper disc rectifiers on your ZW are shot. You can replace or have them replaced with $3.50 40 amp Stud Rectifier Diodes[annode+ to case type].

As an alternative you can buy an aftermarket horn/whistle "button box" and wire it to the transformer's output.
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 2, 2006 7:34 AM
Leonard, where would I buy an aftermarket horn/whistle button box?.....
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 2, 2006 7:37 AM
Hi I am interested in horn/whistle box. Where and what is the cost of this add on ?
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  • From: Willoughby, Ohio
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Posted by spankybird on Monday, January 2, 2006 7:46 AM


They cost about $15.00 and can be used either for horn or bell, just depends on how you wire them.

Here is one place to order it from

http://www.wmtlionelparts.com

I did notice that there site didn't have the price on it. [?] [?]

IT normally about $15.00 each

Just wire it in seires, red wire to transformer, black wire to center rail for bell operation.

I am a person with a very active inner child. This is why my wife loves me so. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. OTTS Founder www.spankybird.shutterfly.com 

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 2, 2006 8:45 AM
Spanky gives a good site to order from.
Most of the N.C. Dealers that I frequent carry the horn/bell buttons in stock. If you are close to a dealer in your area give them a call.
Many of the postwar engines being duplicated in the late '80s--early '90s came with a bell button in the box.

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