So I was testing a Lionel starter set RS-3 made in 2000 for our sons Christmas. I was using an LW transformer with a silicone diode that I installed. Well for some reason the horn quit working entirely. Right before it quit the engine started acting funny when I pushed the whistle button. Almost like a shuddering motion. I do know the old transformers add a bit of voltage with the whistle button, perhaps that explains the shuddering. Anyway, now the horn does nothing with any transformer I try, LW, Z1000, or Cw-80. My suspicion is that the extra jolt from the LW might have fried the horn board, though I can see nothing that looks wrong with it. Of course this morning my son asked where the horn was...
Any ideas? Should I just plan on replacing the horn circuit board? Alternatively, could I yank the old horn board and install the Williams Tru Blast board with the better sounding horn and a bell sould? I need to fix it somehow, the little fella really wanted a diesel with a horn. I did add a smoke unit, which is working great, so that will have to do until I get the horn figured out.
As far as the transformer, sadly I plan on relegating the LW to accessoriy power and getting another z1000 to run this line. I sure do love running with that LW, but I don't want to chance frying another board (I do have an inline fuse on the center rail and it has not blown).
Thanks so much for any help you all can provide.
