Hi dlewisk,

             671 here. Check out a post started by me on March 20 2011. True Blast II Problems. I think you will find a simple solution to your challenge.
             This seems to be a common challenge with the True Blast II

                           Hope this helps...671

Hi Stationmaster12,
            671 here. I own two F3 Williams by Bachmann ABA sets. Santa Fe Red Black War Bonnet and B&O ABA.
             Let me tell you this, they are great reproductions based upon original Lionel shapes and size. I have original Lionel Southern F3 (Green) and New York Central F3.
             The Williams uses a more modern electronic E-unit and a digital sound for horn and bell. The motors are vertical can motors with heavy flywheels. This produces a very smooth running and good coasting locomotive. With the use of two motors ( Just like the original Lionel units used two motors for exceptional pulling power) these units will pull a long line of cars.
              The F3 is great choice. I also can recommend the Williams by Bachmann Fa 1 locos. I have them in the ABA Louisville Nashville road name. Excellent detail, also good runners. Trainland on line has several road names still on sale ABA @199.99 for the ABA. Great price.

                                 Good luck, 671

M1FedQ,

            Try Trainland/Trainworld on line. The WbyB NW-2 is on sale $99.99 in selected road names.I bought one awhile ago, NYC roadname. Good runner. NYC is no longer available. Out of Stock.

                                         Good Luck...671

         

Hi justbob,

            Let me ask for Joe Satnik's opinion on this. Hey Joe any input on this? I am pretty much out of ideas right now.
            The only thought would be to try the trolley on an isolated test track with a different transformer and record the results.
            Joe, what suggestion would you have? I am at a dead end.

                                      Thanks...671

Hi justbob,

       671 here. Your challenge of the electronic E-Unit not cycling within the 7 second stated time period, may have an external cause.
       If voltage is being "fed" to the Trolley even after you have de-powered the track with your transformer, this will hold the E-unit in or delay it's action
       Use a digital volt meter on the track itself. You may find that a stray or induced current is powering that track at a very low voltage.
        You may have an item that has capacitors back feeding voltage to the track circuit. Another possibility is two wires running parallel. One that "feeds" the trolley track and another that is powered "feeding" something else. This could induce current flow in the non-powered wire by induction through intemit contact.
        Your transformer may be the cause, by weeping current in the off position.

                    Just a thought, Hope this helps...671

Hi Joe,

         Thanks for the quick response. I think due to the fact that the Williams loco's have a capacitor in their electronic E-unit that momentarily holds the existing E-unit's setting when they cross a switch or rail crossing track, I should be OK.

          I will try to do a test model this coming weekend. I will run Williams and Postwar Lionel as a test.

          I will let you know the outcome.

                                  671

Hi Joe,
         I think I have the answer to what I am looking for in a whistle / bell controller.

Follow my thought...
   1.   A double pole double throw switch of sufficient amperage. ( 20 amps )
                                           1     3     5     
        Terminals on switch 
                                           2     4     6

Wiring...  Transformer output to terminals 1 & 2
             Track input to terminals              3 & 4
             Cross wire terminal #1 to terminal #6
             Cross wire terminal #2 to terminal # 5
    This type of setup will allow you to use the existing whistle switch on your transformer ( I.E. ZW ) as a whistle/horn blower in one position and a bell ringer in the other position. By toggling the double pole double throw switch to it's other position, will allow the DC carrier to be reversed. This will then ring the bell.

                          What do you think?...671

Hi Dominic,

                I looked into the Lionel whistle bell button. Mixed reviews were the result. The devise apparently cannot not take high amperage loads. It has a tendency to fail.
                I believe that I need to DYI a devise that will send a DC voltage piggybacked onto the AC voltage. This will trip either the bell or whistle depending upon which rail, center or outer rail receives the plus side of the DC signal.
                I will need to tinker with this. If I come up with an answer I will let you know. Right now my plate is full with projects and Grandchildren.
                This will be a good winter project. Thanks again for the info.

                                            671

Hi CobraBob8,

             They look great! Did you experience any rubbing of the body to front trucks?
             Trainland's Website has an E-mail sign-up. They notify you by E-mail of up coming sales. I would advise you to sign up for that.
              I live on Long Island N.Y. approx. 13 miles from Trainland. They are always helpful in the store. They call me Mr. Williams because of all of the Williams products that I have purchased from them. ( 4 Steamers and 11 Diesels 4 Passenger sets ).
              I have post war Lionel, but I can not seem to see the value in the new Lionel products. I like old school conventional trains. Williams @ Trainland gives me the best of both worlds. Quality and style that I crave, at a price that cannot be beaten.
              This hobby is addicting. I need a bigger layout.
              I modified the steamers with the bridge rectifier voltage reduction as per Joe Satnick. They run great and smoke 100% better. The whistle works better with this set-uo. I also installed an on/off switch for the smoke units. The switch is in the loco's engineer's area. I epoxy glued the switches out of plain sight, but still could easily reach with my finger. The diesels are all stock, no voltage or wiring modification.
              I run them all with 275 watt ZW's, They perform flawlessly. I will in the near future increase the size of my layout. I am also investigating a DIY whistle/bell controller. With the ZW, as you know I can only blow the whistle.

                             Hope this helps...671

Hi Sarin and Joe S,

        671 here. I found a company on the Web TrainAidsA that sells many different types of LEDS that fit directly into screw or bayonet sockets.
        The company markets these as direct replacements. The rectifier and resister built into the bulb base. No need for additional electronics.
        I have not ordered any of these yet. They look interesting and inexpensive.

                           Hope this helps...671

Hi sarin,

           Check out the posting "True Blast II problems", this may solve your problem.

                                 Hope this helps...671

Hi Cobrabob,

                 Go on line toTrainworld website. Open up the second page for the Lionel sale flyer. ( Bottom Right) They have your Baldwin Shark on sale for 199.99 AA and if you ask for a free B they give you the B unit free.

                 I have the Sharks in the Delaware Hudson name Blue and silver. Good runner.
One challenge...the front trucks rubbed on the body shell. Simple solution, remove body 4 screws. Space front two screws to body with one small washer. Voila! No more rubbing. Just space the front two screws not all 4. Created a small pitch with the correct clearance. Not noticeable.

                                   Hope this helps...671

Hi mekump,
             671 here. I have one thought on your situation with the "B" unit running much faster than the existing "A" unit.
             You may have an "A" that was rewired from factory parallel wiring to a series wiring.
             Changing the wiring to a series wiring is a common practice. It allows two motored loco's the ability to run much slower at a given voltage setting.
             A knowledgeable person on parallel wiring versus series wiring is Joe Satnik.
             Joe, if you are out there, please "chime" in on this. You may be able to help mekump, if this is the challenge.

                           Hope this helps...671

Hi og3rail,

            671 here, I used the bridge rectifier with two additional diodes, it is working super on all of my WbyB Steamers. Four additional diodes may be too much along with the bridge rectifier.
            I would like to turn your question over to a more educated response. Joe Satnik has responded with some very enlightening responses to very technical questions.
            Myself, I have a broad background in controls for very large buildings. I am very much into the technical aspect of the hobby. It is so enjoyable to have a machine performing at its' design or better.
            I have been an avid reader and contributor to this forum. I believe in " Cross Pollination " it stimulates the mind and creates a underlying zest for satisfaction and perfection.
            I feel good if I can help or stimulate one within this hobby.
            I for one ( at the age of 64 ) revisit my youth everytime I turn that ZW transformer on.  
                  I would like to thank my Dad for the gift that he has given me, and I would like to acknowledge the fine Minds and Souls that take the time to help me and others within this hobby.

                           I Really Hope This Helps...671

Hi Joe,
   
        Those are the correct part numbers from Radio Shack. 276-1181 Bridge Rectifier (8 amp), 276-1661 (pkg of 4 ... 6amp rectifiers).

The "True Blast and the Electronic directional control boards" are both within the tender.

Within the "773" loco is the voltage reduction / stabilization circuitry for the light and smoker.

The other steamers IE. semi-scale Hudson, S2 Turbine, Berkshire, have the directional control board within the loco...True blast within the tender.

                                     Thanks...671