steam whistles

They need AC for power, and a DC signal from the bell/whistle button on the transformer to trigger them.

They should work above 12 volts.

No on/off switch, just the bell/whistle button on the transformer.

Larry

For background on "how" the board works:

https://ogrforum.com/...165#2415514336576165

Thanks, Larry. Will give that a try.

Stan - all that technical info is beyond my electronic abilities. But appreciate knowing how much more there is that I can learn!

Bob

Larry,

I hooked up the red wire to centre rail and the black to an outside rail. With track voltage cranked up to 100% (about 16 - 16.2 volts), then using the transformer whistle/horn button, I could get all 3 motors to spin but producing only a very feeble whistle sound. A tiny drop of oil to the motor spindles did not help. Anything you can think of to get more volume out of these whistles?

thanks, Bob

Bob "O" posted:

With track voltage cranked up to 100% (about 16 - 16.2 volts),

This may seem counter intuitive, but did you try at 1/2 - 3/4 throttle? The DC offset is much stronger at these settings with modern power supplies(you don't say what you are using).

If you are using a postwar transformer, operate the handle/ lever/ button only half way. On the center whistle, bypass the large gray resistor. It is there to make the whistle 'kid safe'.

If you're using a PW transformer, add a load like a lighted passenger car on the transformer, that will help.

I an using an MRC 130 watt transformer. (Bought it from a retired model railroader, so I don't know its age.) Tried various powers from 1/4 through to full. Barely any motor spin at low voltages with increasing, but not adequate whistling, at full. It's as if I need more voltage. Maybe I do need to bypass the gray resistor. It is labelled R31. It is soldered into the board. No idea how to bypass. Can you tell he how?

Thanks to all, Bob

 I didn't see Gunrunnerjohn's suggestion until now. My first try at using track power and the transformer was with plenty of lights in use. I removed various cars one by one to get a bit more voltage and there was an incremental improvement, but still too low a volume. If I simply blow gently into the bottom of the whistle, I get a great sound.

If you get it to whistle, remove the large gray resistor and jumper it with a wire, you'll get louder whistling.

Resistor Fix.

SUCCESS! Now whistling loud enough for my wife to hear upstairs. Thanks all. The pictorial description from Rob showing step-by-step how to remove the gray resistor and re-solder the leg was a great help.

(This was my first ever post to the forum. I am impressed with the knowledge of members and the speedy replies.)