Hey folks,
I'm restoring an old 1044 transformer and the wire resistor that is used for the whistle control is broken. Anyone know what value of modern resistor can I replace that with? I'm going to be replacing the disk rectifier with a modern diode, so is that resistor still needed? 
Thanks!
Replies sorted oldest to newest
2.5 Ohm >10 Watt wire wound resistor
from OGR Thread: 1044 help
@SteveH posted:2.5 Ohm 10 Watt wire wound resistor
from OGR Thread: 1044 help
Thanks! Does the wattage and ohm have to be those exact figures or can they be over without consequence? For example, would these 10W 10-Ohm resistors work....
https://www.amazon.com/Tegg-Re...rial%2C59&sr=1-3
-Eric
@ericstrains.com posted:Thanks! Does the wattage and ohm have to be those exact figures or can they be over without consequence? For example, would these 10W 10-Ohm resistors work....
https://www.amazon.com/Tegg-Re...rial%2C59&sr=1-3
-Eric
or would one of these be better?
Eric, I meant to add the > before the 10W in my original reply (since edited). I'd suggest going with 12 - 15 watts, ideally keeping the 2.5 ohm spec. I'll keep looking for a suitable recommendation too and let you know if I find one.
@ericstrains.com posted:Thanks! Does the wattage and ohm have to be those exact figures or can they be over without consequence? For example, would these 10W 10-Ohm resistors work....
The power rating can vary(higher), but the shunt resistance is crucial to the working of the whistle circuit.
@SteveH posted:Eric, I meant to add the > before the 10W in my original reply (since edited). I'd suggest going with 12 - 15 watts, ideally keeping the 2.5 ohm spec. I'll keep looking for a suitable recommendation too and let you know if I find one.
Haha, yeah I saw that after I posted. Would one of these do the trick? Thanks.
The typical Lionel whistle resistor measures around 1.5 - 2.5 Ohms in the 10-20 watt range. You can use the 1044-56 exact replacement or a 1033-103 resistor wire. Use of a zener diode replacing the copper rectifier disc also eliminates the need for the resistance wire.
Edit: Yikes this thread took off as I was compiling my response.
@bmoran4 posted:The typical Lionel whistle resistor measures around 1.5 - 2.5 Ohms in the 10-20 watt range. You can use the 1044-56 exact replacement or a 1033-103 resistor wire. Use of a zener diode replacing the copper rectifier disc also eliminates the need for the resistance wire.
Edit: Yikes this thread took off as I was compiling my response.
Yeah, only problem is those 1044-56 parts are kinda hard to find. I found this 2.5-Ohm 12W resistor on mouser and it seems it would do the job no?
How about this guys? 2.5 Ohm 12W 1% $7.20 In Stock at Mouser.
https://www.mouser.com/Product...nsjt3aZQcdfgrw%3D%3D
Edit: that's funny Eric found the same one while I was looking for something less expensive to recommend. 
@SteveH posted:How about this guys? 2.5 Ohm 12W 1% $7.20 In Stock at Mouser.
Yep, that's the one I was looking at too. Sounds like a plan. Thanks a bunch Steve! -Eric
@ericstrains.com you might want to give a bit more consideration to @bmoran4's suggestion for replacing the disc rectifier with a modern diode. They do work better IMO. Train doesn't slow down as much when activating a postwar motor driven tender whistle. I'm sure he can suggest a suitable diode for you.
@bmoran4 posted:The typical Lionel whistle resistor measures around 1.5 - 2.5 Ohms in the 10-20 watt range. You can use the 1044-56 exact replacement or a 1033-103 resistor wire. Use of a zener diode replacing the copper rectifier disc also eliminates the need for the resistance wire.
Edit: Yikes this thread took off as I was compiling my response.
Can you suggest a suitable Zener diode to use? Thanks!
A 1N1183R stud mount zener diode should fit nicely.
Edit: I'm not sure that is a Zener... I know my standard 1N1190AR isn't... Gotta take more time to research...
The 1N3311RB looks like a good candidate - do you guys agree?.
Maybe, but $4,315.50 for Qty 100 seems a bit expensive, so far not finding them in stock elsewhere either.
How about a case mounted silicon rectifier diode?
I have a bunch of 
these resistors for a ZW. They are 2.5 ohms. If they fit, you can have one. I’ll probably never use one.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
