Lionel tenders that buzz

Jeff,

I never heard PostWar air whistle tenders buzz. I have heard them make a growling noise that usually will transition to the whistle sound that you want after 30 seconds or so. This is a sign that the tender's whistle motor and shaft needs to be lubricated - using the same procedure as any other PostWar open frame motor.

Welcome Jeff!!!  It's usually a good idea to let folks know which loco/tender you are speaking of.  Much of the post war stuff operates in a very similar manner... there are a few instances where there are idiosyncrasies which may be handy to know.  It's more likely than not a forum member has the same tender and experience fixing, servicing and/or restoring it.

You may find this handy...

Thanks to both of you who have responded.  I will check the lubrication on these as suggested.  Also, to be for specific, the two tenders that I am dealing with are

No. 2426W and a No. 2046W

The relay in the tender is connected continuously to track power waiting for a dc signal to make the whistle blow. It is designed to operate on 60 cycle AC power.  What power supply are you using to run your trains?

David, I am using a ZW for my trains.

Try tightening the relay coil mounting screw.  The coil is constantly energized and sometimes they do buzz. Tightening the screw did the trick for me on a few I had that were buzzing.