2321 horn problems

[ron123]

I just got a nice 2321 Lackawanna locomotive.  After working with a little, it runs great forward and reverse.  i removed the shell and all the wires and connections look very good.  However, I have a problem with the horn.. it works randomly flipping it upside down and also it works, at times, on track.  I can touch a screw to the screw/base and touch the horn to make it work.. but something is wrong.  Maybe a connection is grounded well..I removed the horn and replaced it.. I removed the electrical componet that controls the horn and retighten things.

 

Any ideas on how to repair?  I am sure that it is something simple but I am rather new at repairs and electronics... so I don't know what to do..

 

Thanks

Ron

[Algonquin]

Hi Ron,

 

It sounds like the horn relay needs cleaning. It is located next to the battery. There is a plate on the bottom of the relay that is lifted when the relay is energised (pressing the horn button). This plate closes a contact which allows power to the horn. Usually a little TV tube cleaner on the plate and contact will remove dirt build-up and allow it to move easier.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Tim

[ron123]

I made some progress.  The relay definitely works and the horn blows.. flip it upside down.  It also works.. sometimes when running on the track using the transformer.... but something is still not right.. .it is inconsistent.. meaning it will work with transformer at times and then sometimes not....again, i can flip it over and the horn blows.

 

I am sure there is something simple or some connection that doesn't always work. I clean the contactsand again... the relay seems to kick in and the horn works at times.

 

 

any suggestions as to how to debug this problem?

 

thanks

ron

[bigdogjeff]

those horns are so touchy sometimes very touchy you may want to clean the flap on the bottom of the relay and battery connections on a 1950s gp9 i need to do that to mine.

[lionelsoni]

Are you able to try it with more than one transformer?  It's possible that the transformer's whistle controller is marginal.

The relay is specified to close on 1.1 volts DC.  You could try applying 1.5 volts from a dry cell to the track (in place of the transformer) as a rough check of the relay's sensitivity.

Here is some service information.  http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=708  You might work through section 2, "Relay Armature Fails to Close".  You can disregard the tests for coil continuity, since your relay does operate some of the time.

[ron123]

To all

 

Thanks for your advice.. The horn works.. it is a bit touchy and sometimes fails to work.. but overall, I think it is ok

 

Thanks for your help

Ron