Train whistle won't operate and train won't back up

[Anonymous]

Sorry I am a newbie to model rr. I have a Loniel 8632 locomotive w/ tender and a Model Recifier Corp. TechII Transformer/Controller and no instructions....

I don't no how to hook up transformer so whistle operates and make locomotive back up. The transformer has variable A/C output and fixed A/C output. I have the lock-on attached to the varible A/C output and train goes forward with varible speeds just fine. When I touch the reverse button train comes to stop but the touching the button again train again goes forward. Whistle button does nothing.....

Any help would be appreciated...

Thanks Ron

[cacole]

I think you'll get a much faster answer to your question if you move this over to the Classic Toy Trains forum. That's where the Lionel people hang out.

Just off the top of my head, I'd say you have to have a Lionel transformer with the whistle button on it, and your transformer has to have AC output to the track in order to actuate the reversing relay in the locomotive -- an MRC Tech power pack is DC power output on the variable side, and an AC motor in the locomotive will operate on DC power, though not as it should.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Ron, [#welcome] to the forums. Cacole is right about the CTT forum being the place where the Lionel guys gather. You will get more responses over there. I work both sides of the tracks as it were.[swg]

I think your e-unit is locked. The e-unit is what makes the engine change directions. I looked in the catalog, and this model most likely has an electronic e-unit. There should be a small black electrical switch, probably under the cab of the engine. Flip it the other way. The way an e-unit works, is 0 volts, causes it to change states, thus changing direction of the train. The button on the transformer is working correctly.

Your transformer is a replacement upgrade from what originally came with the set. That should be no problem. Variable AC voltage to the track. This train can also be run on DC, but let's not go there.

The whistle is operated by applying a small DC voltage to the AC track voltage. Because this is being done electronicly, the pickup in the tender may be polarity sensative. Try flipping the wires going to the track.

Hope this helps.[:)]