Lionel RTR 0-8-0 Improvements

Well, the whistle in most of the modern units can be "souped up" by removing a resistor that limits it's volume.  Remove this resistor and replace it with a plain wire.

The smoke can be enhanced by dropping the value of the resistor, I think many of the starter sets have a 30 ohm resistor, try a 20 or 22 ohm 3W wirewould in place of it.  Fan driven smoke would be a larger change.   The only way I can see of adding the backup light easily is to drive it from the motor with a tether from the locomotive.  An LED and resistor will light in only one polarity, so connecting it to the motor will light it in only one direction.  If it lights going forward, swap the leads to the motor voltage.

Along with removing the resistor in the whistle board, make sure the impeller is not dragging on the case and the case is sealed. The fit is not that good and they can leak air.

Pete

I have a Berkshire from about 2007 that was a terrible smoker. I replaced the 30 ohm resistor with a 27 ohm resistor and replaced the batting. It smokes so much better!!! It was fairly easy, although you need a pretty good solder gun. I only had a cheap Walmart one and it did not get hot enough. Here is a short video of my son enjoying it!