Postwar horn replacement / improvement

Hi everyone,

I have original postwar 2343 and 2360 horns that don't work. Instead of refurbishing or buying replica horns I was considering finding an inexpensive electric/electronic horn. Does anyone have any suggestions? I just read about the True Blast II but it has a set sequence of blasts. I run conventional and I'm looking to stay in the $25-40 range (per engine) if possible. I'm using a ZW but have an MTH Z-1000 if I need to use it to run them after an upgrade.

Also, a side question. These engines were purchased new by my grandfather. I played with them as a kid in the 80's and cleaned and lubricated them recently. If I recall correctly, the 2343 F3 always had a growl when it ran compared to the smoother 2360 GG1. Is this typical of these units? Is it indicative of an improvement in the motor design from the 50's to the 60's?

Thanks!

12/28/158:26 PM

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RRaddict2OGR Forum Member

I would suggest just putting in a reproduction horn. You can get them for under 20.00. I put a True Blast II in mine and I could barely hear it. I have the F-3's that you have and indeed they have a mean growl to them. That is what makes them so awesome. I totally restored my locomotives mechanically to their PW condition and I definitely prefer them that way. A new reproduction horn makes a huge difference they sound just fine.

12/29/154:51 PM

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artfull dodgerOGR Forum Member

The 2333/43 series of F3's used a horizontal motor with double reduction gearing, leading to a growl when they run. They are also slower on the top end speed over the later vertical motor F3's. The early 671/2020 Turbines and 726 Berkshires also had a double reduction gear drive with horizontal motors. Nothing wrong with the growl, I like it myself. Hard to beat a pair of 2343's in proper tune pulling a nice long string of Silver Dawn series passenger coaches or a long freight train. My horn is sporadic in operation and sounds sick when it does work, changing pitch every time its blown. So I will hunt up a replacement at the next show that has a parts person. Mike

12/29/156:48 PM

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Dominic MazochOGR Forum Member

If you are running passenger cars, place the horn in the first car. Do not put a battery in the F unit. Or if you have an REA box or refer, place trucks with rollers on it, and place the new horn in it.

12/29/157:06 PM

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ADCX RobOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

artfull dodger posted:
The 2333/43 series of F3's used a horizontal motor with double reduction gearing, leading to a growl when they run...

The horizontal motored F3s should not growl significantly when lubed properly. Check out my 2333 set - with many many miles & years on them(thanks to Mobil 1 and Lucas Red 'N' Tacky #2):