2046W Whistle Issue/Brushes?

The whistle will behave much better with a load on the transformer.  Neutral just won't cut it.  Get your engine going, with some lights and smoke.  The transformer whistle circuitry works best with additional amps being drawn.

Of course, serviceing the whistle motor will also help.

Hello-- That's the problem…it doesn't whistle while running at the usual 14v load. I have to put in neutral and ramp it up to 20v before I can coax it into whistling. 

Replacing the brushes is not a hard job. The thing you need to remember is when you remove the brush plate, to remove it very slowly. If you don't, the brush springs will fly up to the ceiling. Also, I suggest you replace both brushes and both brush springs. Also, clean the commentator plate on the armature. A very small drop of oil on top of the armature shaft would be good. But only a small drop.

I suggest you call Jeff. He has the parts you need.

The Train Tender
        7607 Gregg Road
        Bloomfield, NY 14469-9790

        Phone: 585-229-2050

        E-Mail: jeff@ttender.com

Taking the tender apart is necessary to size up the situation.

GENTLY remove the body. Take off two nuts holding the brush plate. Lift it straight up. Perhaps there is enough slack in the wires to move the brush plate away from the armature shaft. If not, unsolder the wire(s). Remove the brushes and brush springs. If the brushes are worn down and the springs are weak, replace them. Clean the commutator. If dirt has built up between the segments, use a toothpick to remove it. Put a SMALL drop or two of oil atop the armature shaft and at the lower end, where it enters the air chamber.

Clean the wheels and contact rollers. Check the wires on the contact rollers, too. Sometimes they can break but still look as though they are connected. If so, the whistle won't get enough voltage to operate.

That should do it. A well-tuned 2046W whistle has a clear, melodious tone.

GOOD LUCK! Keep us posted.

Another hint is to oil the bottom of the armature where it goes through the motor casting. Also, clean the contacts for the relay, and make sure the gap isn't excessive, about .020 inch is ideal. Too wide a gap makes the relay chatter and doesn't send a full dose of current to the motor. 

I don't replace brush springs unless they are bad. I don't feel that the replacement springs have the correct tension, I often wind up cutting off a turn or two.

I find the Whistle is the most over looked portion of the PW train maintenance.  Once you open it I think it will be obvious why it isn't working right.   Usually a lot of grime and carbon build up requiring a good cleaning, then lubricating as discussed above.  G