Recently purchased two Lionel FM Trainmasters while in York in Oct. One is Erie Lackawanna with marron roof (53-54). The other is Virginian (1964). Had horns working in both a week ago. Put them on the track yesterday and horns don't work on either engine. Batteries are good. Took shells off and don't see any problems. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!
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Don't the horns activate from a DC signal from the transformer? Maybe there is an issue with the horn control on the transformer - perhaps dirty contacts.
Maybe but doubt it is transformer issue. Fairly new ZW L and both engines horns were working ok last week.
Did you try switching the track leads?
Without shell on put on track in neutral then activate horn while watching the horn relay to see if the contacts close properly.
You can also manually close horn relay contacts with a toothpick with engine in neutral around 12 volts to see if horn blows.
It’s a brand name - Train Master.
A Trainmaster is a middle management company officer at a railroad.
These postwar diesel horns are notoriously problematic. Something the adjusting nut(or screw) on the horn can help. Adjust in small increments.
Sometimes you just can’t get them to work even if they did last week. . Unless you just have to have that postwar sound you’d be better off with an electronic replacement.
Alan
Thanks to everyone who replied to this post. I am working on it. Just strange that both units were working and now neither one will work. It is like the signal to activate the the horns is not getting there.
try a separate test track
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