Kline Reading Crusader

mdj,

    1st I would test your transformer with another engine and make sure the transformer is not your problem, especially sense the engine is NIB and never used.

PCRR/Dave

You could try reversing the wires to the transformer.  Might solve the problem.

Fred

Yes I tried all the obvious things. Different transformers and switching wires.  Nothing.

As shipped the K-Line Crusader had a K-Line unique home-grown sound system that was designed to work with the K-Line whistle controller. Unfortunately, the transformer, whistle controller and track had to be purchased separately from the set. One option is to search for a K-Line whistle controller. I also think Z-4000's or modern ZW's may work, but I would test to be sure. IMHO, the only real minus of this set was the sound system, which was quickly replaced with Railsounds in later K-Line products and even in a few leftover Crusader sets by K-Line.

wow I have the same problem!,with the railsounds switch on, some steam and chugging sounds but cant activate the whistle or bell to work,tried with my z4000 and my tmcc zilch,,,but sure is a nice set ,the passenger cars are what sold me on this set ,terry

This set was sold by Boscov's Department Stores and had the K-Lines "Real Sounds". As rdg fan stated, this was not a very good sound system and was replaced with Lionel Railsounds.

K-Line did offer a separate controller (K-0952B) which I thought was similar to the Lionel controller, which was included with the early Railsounds engines, so that you could operate the bell if you only had a transformer with a horn/whistle button.

I thought the Real Sounds would work with transformers like the MTH Z4000, as rdg fan stated.

Is it just the whistle and bell sounds that don't work or do the chuffing sounds not work either?

Crusader Set

The chugging works althoughis not in sync with the speed of engine. Chugging is slower than engine speed. It`s only the whistle and bell not working. Will try the above mentioned whistle controller. I have to check if mine is the same one mentioned.

thanks for the advise ,I will try,terry

I think the chugging was voltage activated. It was a generic issue that the chuff speed was very out of sync with the engine speed. Honestly, I added ERR sound & cruise to mine.  I am pretty sure the K-Line controller put out a greater amplitude pulse for the whistle and bell than most transformers. 

FYI, I found a review of a K-Line 4-6-2 Pacific from 2001 that had Real Sounds. In it they state that the sound system was disappointing and was out of sync with the movement of the engine. The bell activation was erratic, regardless of which brand transformer they used.

Thanks everyone for your help. Nothing worked but, I found a k-952 whistle controller I had and it worked. The sound and the whistle is very primitive. Thanks Jerry Burns. when I opened the boxes for the passenger cars this week for the first time the aluminum on the cars is all blotchy from sitting. Anyone else have that problem? 

yes I had the same thing,,,only some what minor