I just wanted to share my experience with cutting the R3 resistor as I too have the problem of a PE whistle that's very low in volume. Unknownst to my inexperience, turning the trunks to get to the screws, will cause a broken wire that goes to the little copper wheel axle conductor. And I didn't feel hardly any resistance when turning the trunks out of the way. And before I was all said and done, I did it to both of them. I also discovered that one of the wires had been pinched so hard between the body and chassis that it had bare copper showing through the insulation. Obviously done during manufacturing. But worse is the fact that it really didn't help much. I've noticed that the whistle is loudest at about 15.5 volts. It decreases in volume ever so slightly if I raise the voltage to the full 18+. Taking the engine off the track and testing the volume had an additional SLIGHT increase. But it sure isn't going to reach the 85 decible limit. Just a guess based on my limited knowledge and limited use of my sound decible meter, I would rate the sound at about 70 decibles. Any other possiblities of making it louder that anyone wants to share is more than appreciated.
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