Williams Horn won't turn off

[caboose8492]

Hi all,
I'm having an issue with an fp45 I just bought.

The engine is 10 or so years old but looks to have barely been run. When I put it on the track it runs fine with one problem the horn goes off constantly while in forward or reverse. Is there any fix to this? I am using a z-750 transformer and it operates at 80 watts AC the locomotive is 3rd rail as well.

[Joe Satnik]

Dear caboose8492,

Your Z-750 transformer is, according to MTH, an "electronic" type (vs. a "standard" type). 

There have been reports of the Williams/WBB TBII sound boards having problems with (being confused by) the electronic type transformers. 

Try using one of the standard types and see if that cures the problem:

http://www.mth-railking.com/service/transformers.asp

If it does not, we'll troubleshoot further. 

Hope this helps. 

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik   

[DominicMazoch]

I use a z-750 with the first remote wands.  My W/WBB items work.  It could be an issue with the button on the 750 controller box.

[phillyreading]

Try reversing the wires to the track, just for fun, it might work. Should not need to do that with a Z-750, but a transformer part could be going out.

Something that happened to my steam engine with T.B. 2 horn, was the track needed cleaning. It would sound off at random, after cleaning the track and tender wheels it worked correctly.

I have found that certain brands of electronics are very sensitive to dirt.

Lee F.

[Matt]

I would definitely clean the rollers, wheels and track first. I have occassionally encountered this same thing, especially when conditions were dirty. A good cleaning all around solved it.

matt