Skip to main content

2 replies

Lionel ZW transformers

U UrbieOGR Forum Member

Hello,

I am experiencing an issue with my 1950's vintage 275 Watt ZW transformer that I am hoping someone on this blog may have also experienced.  When activating the whistle button on the left side of the transformer, the E-unit begins to cycle on the engine.  It only happens when the engine is running either forward or reverse.  When in neutral, the whistle functions correctly, and the engine does not move.

This happens with my 1954 646 Hudson/2046W tender as well as my 1956 2379 F-3 Rio Grande.   When operating these two motives using a different ZW, it doesn't happen.  The whistle function button works correctly, and the engine's E-unit does not cycle...R, F, & N.

My initial thought is the rectifier disc may have failed.  In which case I will replace it with a diode.  But before going in that direction, I thought it advisable to reach out to the forum and solicit some thoughts.

Thank you.

Urbie

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

JG Jon GOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

You can check the rectifier disc with an analog ohmmeter.  It will have low resistance in one direction and close to infinite in the other.  Usually a dropout which causes the e-unit to cycle is due to either a broken solder connection in the pickup voltage line or misaligned or dirty contacts on the whistle control.  Use CRC lectra-motive cleaner and repeatedly work the controls and check solder connections at the whistle control.

U UrbieOGR Forum Member

Thanks, Jon G,

I'll check the solder connection in the pickup voltage line and, use CRC to clean the contacts in the whistle control.  Regardless, I'm still committed to remove the rectifier disc and replace it with a diode.  Research suggests it will make the PW Lionel whistles work much better.  I run almost exclusively PW Lionel so no issues with the diodes not working with the circuit boards on newer motives.  Thanks again for the suggestion.  Urbie

Add Reply

Views: 333
Post
This forum is sponsored by Lionel, LLC

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

Membership Required

We're sorry. You must be signed in to continue. Sign In or Register
×
Are you sure you want to remove from your Block List?
×
Loading...
×
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×

Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership

OGR Forum Supporting Membership

Help support this forum with an OGR Forum Supporting Membership.
You will be able to watch the videos in the INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO FORUM!
A one-year OGR Forum Supporting Membership is only $12 per year, so sign up now!


    OR     


Access the ALL the OGR VIDEO FORUMS AND  over 300 back issues of OGR
with a DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION!



$12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable)
×