Lionel 5904-1 Whistle/Bell Switch vs an 8632-10 Switch

From some searching

https://ogrforum.com/...09#77311805284643009

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Looks like the 5904 was a specialty item that was just used with a specific transformer according to this document.  I truthfully never used either of these units.

Operating Instructions Boxcar with RailSounds

@John Fuller posted:

No doubt... problem solved and thanks again for the help.

Doing some reading - looks like all the 5904 does is controls the polarity of the transformer controls - ie: one setting for horn, the other setting for bell.  Switch the leads and it does the opposite.  You still need the transformer to turn on the horn.  The 5906 can accomplish the same thing with two but actually has a button to activate.  Am I reading this right?

Thanks again!

And then this topic on the other switch 8632-10

@PaperTRW posted:

Close, but you're thinking of the 5904/5905 buttons that switch the polarity. The general configuration of the switch/button is the same, but the markings on the housing are different as is the application.

The 5904 came with the first-generation RailSounds 1 items (1989-1990), and the 5905 came along about ten years later (2001 or so) when some starter sets had full RailSounds but the 40 watt transformers included with them only had a method for activating one sound. This eventually led to the creation of the BW-80 transformer, the predecessor of the CW-80.

I've honestly never had an open 5904 and 5905 side-by-side, but I don't think there's any difference between the two. I suspect all that's in there is the DPDT switch for the polarity.

TRW

Full topic link here https://ogrforum.com/...c/162616683192676601

I'd never hook either of these between the track and anything but a really small locomotive and consist.  The wiring and components are pretty small.  From your recent topic on the same issue.

Seeking Advice on using a DPDT toggle switch inplace of the Lionel 5904-1 Sound Switch

https://ogrforum.com/...5#164024807327992945

Gunrunnerjohn

Thanks for the advice.  I'm just trying to get some sound while operating my ZW.

Everyone thank you for the advice.  It is greatly appreciated.