Williams horn barely audible

It could, indeed, be a bad speaker.  We (LHS) have encountered through the WBB era several of their steamers that have had issues with regard to the speaker.  One issue that results in a barely audible sound is a glue blob that has found its way onto the speaker cone surface.  The mfr uses a glue resembling a clear silicone...but probably something akin...that is placed/dispensed rather haphazardly in attaching the speaker.  When we found the glue blobs...even just a short 'tail' of a blob...resting on the paper speaker cone, we tried to carefully remove it.  Sometimes this was possible without damaging the cone, resulting in full sound instantly.  Other times, we had to ask for a replacement speaker, which fixed the problem, too. 

If you're so inclined you might check for this on your unit.  On the other hand, since it's new you might call WBB service and ask them to address the problem...as they should and will. 

FWIW, always...

KD

This seems to be a common Williams problem, you can take the shell off and adjust the volume on what looks like an old volume switch for a radio, located on the circuit board for the TB-2, you may need to do several turns to loosen the gunk on the switch.

Lee F.

Update- I called Bachmann up and all I have to do is send in a copy of my sales receipt for a new sound unit to be sent to me at no charge. Since I have installed one of these sound units in another engine with ease I do not think I will have any problems. Now I am happy as I don't even have to bother sending in the defective sound system according to Bachmann.

first thing i would do is remove the body shell and see if everything is assembled correctly.the speaker might be blocked by something....williams sound systems are not noted for being that good,on looks a 10 on sound a 4...hope this helps....joe

I will try that before I request a new sound unit. Thanks.

Definitely try adjusting that weird looking silver resistor. Most times that will fix it. Many dealers have no idea it even exists.

Rob

Lee, you were right! I opened up the shell and removed the speaker so I could get at the volume switch you were talking about. I turned it just a hair and it worked! Sound is now at normal level. Thanks so much Lee!

 Thanks to all for your input. Now,it's time to play.

Quote:

"Only one problem is that the true blast II horn is barely audible (pin drop type volume)."

Some folks have all the luck!

Hello,

I am having the same issue with an Williams F3 I purchased for my son this Christmas.  I took the cab off to look for the adjustment.  I am struggling to locate the volume switch previously described.  Could I please impose upon on of you to offer a little more clarity on it's location?

Thanks Chuck

I have a similar problem with the sound on the Girls Set I have. was going to open the tender to see if there is a variable pot that I can adjust.

Jerry