It's that time of year, neighbors are bringing stuff that doesn't work. Air Whistle this time...

Looks like it missing the center pick-up rollers underneath.

Hello Jeff T

I see why the whistle don't work because there is missing roller pick ups on both trucks !!

Tiffany

Looked at the Lionel parts diagram... How do those end up missing??

I think they can pop off, plastic just clips to both sides of the truck

Have them look in the bottom of the box.  I think these rollers are held in by the pressure of that spring.  If you push up on them they can come out.

@Jeff T posted:

Looked at the Lionel parts diagram... How do those end up missing??

The diesels use the same roller assembly, if the springs get distorted they can fall out.

While not your issue of the pickup rollers missing, there was also a modification to make the whistle work slightly better.  You may want to consider doing the modification.

See attached.

Jim

Well the plot thickens. I applied track power to the pick ups and the whistle works. Power up the transformer, hit the whistle button and it goes.

But it doesn't turn off unless you turn the track power off. OK, now I'm really stumped. Any thoughts?? Thanks!

The circuit board is bad.

610-8633-010

#9 on the parts list:

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...9b-9037-1a06ad5d0549

Replaced by 610-8633-020

Available here:

https://traindoctor.com/service/lionel/8500to8800.php

Larry

Thanks!! Now to see if the rollers were pulled out intentionally!!

The rollers, themselves, are missing. The assembly, they attach to, are still attached to the truck(s). I’ve never much cared for this design. As someone mentioned above, spring tension holds the pickup roller in the plastic assembly. The spring can be flattened, causing issues or the rivet may not be installed corrected, i.e. not properly riveted or not riveted tightly enough. When it is assembled correctly, it works great.

Steve