Lionel Whistle Tender questions

Baemr: It will help diagnose your issue if you provide us with what transformer you're presently having this issue with and what 2011 tender you're running.

A "Postwar" transformer always added a slight AC "boost" to the track when the whistle/horn button was pushed because the whistle motor would draw current as well.

More modern transformers would not likely have that circuit in them.

It is interesting that you say the train goes to full speed when using the whistle feature....

The transformer is a K line 0954.  The tender came with a stater set-the engine is a Santa Fe 4-4-2.  

When you press the whistle button, does like a lighted car or caboose also get brighter?

I have a lighted lockon and it gets real bright when I push the whistle button.  This power transformer has a whistle and other switch for the sound button, and they both have the same result.  It is starting to sound like a faulty transformer.

If the transformer was designed to operate postwar equipment, and even the newer air whistles, then as D&H 65 said, the transformer will boost the voltage to the track when the whistle button is pressed. If the transformer did not boost the voltage, the train would slow down when the whistle motor was operating. Newer electronic whistles do not have motors, and therefore do not need the extra voltage boost, so when you press the whistle button, the lights get brighter, and the train speeds up. Again, this is perfectly normal, and a function of the design of the transformer. All Lionel postwar transformers with whistle controls will exhibit the same behavior.

Larry

A boost is normal, but not straight to *full throttle*. At least, IMHO.

Neither of my Lionel CW-80's cause such behavior. The lighted lockons get a little brighter but the trains stay at the same speed.

From what I've read, the whistle signal is done by adding a DC component to the AC electricity being sent to the track. This "boosts" the voltage, slightly, half the time...

It sounds like a faulty transformer to me.

Agreed, sounds like the transformer has a bad whistle circuit. 

Well, I think I will dig my multimeter out and get some actual numbers, though I am leaning toward a bad transformer.  The whistle tender is motor driven-you can hear a motor winding up before the whistle blows, so if it was designed for a motor driven whistle it should be ok.

Just an update-my transformer went bad last month, and I finally was able to pick up a new one.  It took care of my whistle problem!  I can now run my trains at slow speed, hit the whistle button and not have them fly off the track!  Oh, happy day!