PW Whistle Solenoid Issue

Postwar transformers with whistle controls had a two step switch. As the switch was pressed, a higher "pickup voltage" was generated to close the relay. In the switches final position, the D.C. voltage component was dropped to it's "holding voltage" to keep the relay closed.
In most transformers, the pickup voltage was around 5.5 volts, as measured on a Lionel test set (under load). The holding voltage was around .8 volts.

On Postwar transformers, the test must be done under the correct load, because the load affects how much DC is present.

It sounds like your setup isn't generating enough pickup voltage. If you had a postwar transformer, I would recommend adding some cars or lights to increase the load. Don't know whether this would help with your power setup.

Makes sense that it may be a TMCC voltage issue; like I said, once engaged, it was fine; was acting as you described, where it didn't have enough to kick into place.  Guess I'll dig out an old 1090 transformer and attach it to the tracks with alligator clips just to see....

Carl, make sure that the air gap between the points is not excessive, I figure about the thickness of a match pack cardboard, .025" or so. Since I am an old time auto tech, I figure it is about the width of a point gap in the old style point ignition system. Also, you could spray some electrical cleaner on the area where the plate moves in the relay housing. Worst case scenario is that the solenoid coil is loosing the insulation on the windings, which leads to a decrease in the amount of magnetic pull on the movable plate. Usually a good cleaning and cautious adjusting will restore operation. Keep us posted. 

CW; I hooked up a PW transformer (1033) with a load; can hear the solenoid trying to close, but still no dice.

Luke:  It's been awhile since I've used a matchbook cover between distributor points!  However, the solenoid points are well within spec.  Thanks for the suggestion, though...

Maybe the load isn't large enough.