Whistle Control
Controllers For Model Trains
Over the past 100 years several methods of controlling electric model trains have developed.
The first and simplest method was the use a simple variable transformer as introduced by Lionel in 1906 to lower the Alternating Current [AC] voltage from the wall to a lower, safer value and allow the user to control the speed of a model electric train by changing the amount of AC power applied to the track. In the 1920’s, Lionel included remote control reversing switches to allow the user to control the direction of the model train.
When Direct Current [DC] powered trains with permanent magnet motors were introduced, a different standard was developed for most two rail train tracks where the direction of trains were controlled by the polarity of the DC track power applied to the track.
In the late 1940’s Lionel added a new concept of applying DC on top of the AC track voltage to turn on and off an on-board whistle by remote control. This concept of high frequency transmission was introduced in the Lionel Electronic Train Control. This system supplied ten different signals that would control ten different remote control effects. The different high frequency signals were superimposed on the standard AC power when selected buttons were pressed at the control center. Each remote engine or rail car was equipped with a receiver unit that was tuned to the individual frequencies. When the correct high frequency signal was transmitted, the corresponding receiver would toggle or turn-on some remote effect.
These high frequency signals increase the ability to remotely control various effects but they had other problems. Transmission losses were usually high and it was critically important to keep the track, the track joints and the wheels of the receiving car or locomotive extremely clean. However extra feeder wires to different parts of the track were used to prevent signal losses and placing capacitors across the track joints and adding inductors at the power supply and on each accessory being used assisted in reducing signal loss and in ensuring that all components of the model train layout operated properly. All this additional equipment however added to the cost, the complexity, and the maintenance for the model train operator.
Model train manufacturers have, over the years, introduced different methods of applying high frequency signals to the model train track to increase the remote control capabilities including independent train control which means that the operator can control the speed, direction and features of a number of different engines all on the same powered track section. With most DC and AC systems however, the biggest problem is that there are only a limited number of remote control signals possible and their application is slow by modern digital standards.
The application of digital technology uses remote control signals to carry digital signals to decoders in the engine for digital command control of locomotives and other accessories.
Digital Command Control (DCC) is a method of controlling individual engines, rail cars and accessories by transmitting digital remote control signals down the track to on-board digital receivers and decoders in the locomotives, wagons and other rolling stock and accessories.
DCC has been around since the 1970’s but had not received wide acceptance because of the limited technology at the time and the difficulty and expense of installing receivers in each engine. With developments in digital technology these problems have diminished and over the last ten to fifteen years major model train manufacturers have produced several different versions of DCC. So many that unfortunately customers have been confused about which system is best.
Fortunately, in recent times, the National Model Railroad Association [NMRA] has established a preferred method of transmitting and receiving digital transmissions on model train layouts, based on the Lenz system developed in Germany and this is recognized as the accepted standard for DCC.
About the Author
Author: John Vanse John Vanse has several websites for model train enthusiasts. They can all be accessed through the key site at:
The Model Train Guide
For more specific information about DCC visit:
DCC for Model Trains
|
|
LIONEL 167C WHISTLE CONTROLLER WITH ORIGINAL PRINTED INSTRUCTIONS $9.99 |
|
|
American Flyer S Gauge Air Chime Whistle controller $15.00 |
|
|
Control UltraSonic Dog Bark Silencer Trainning Whistle Repellent LED Light Torch $9.30 |
|
|
American Flyer #314AW engine,whistle tender,& whistle control, 1949-50, VG $199.95 |
|
|
AF Whistle Control Button $0.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE S GA WHISTLE STATION W/PUSH BUTTON CONTROLLER $19.95 |
|
|
NEW LED torch Sound Control Lost Key Finder Locater Whistle chain Keychain $3.89 |
|
|
Lionel 167 Whistle Controller $9.99 |
|
|
Control UltraSonic Dog Bark Silencer Trainning Whistle Repellent LED Light Torch $9.30 |
|
|
VINTAGE LIONEL NO.66 WHISTLE CONTROLLER WITH THE ORIGINAL BOX $25.00 |
|
|
Lionel 1947 Instructions – No.167C Whistle Controller $4.95 |
|
|
LIONEL 167 WHISTLE CONTROLLER w/ORIGINAL BOX $4.95 |
|
|
Control UltraSonic Dog Bark Silencer Trainning Whistle Repellent LED Light Torch $9.10 |
|
|
Lionel Post War O Gauge 167 Whistle Controller in Original Box $39.89 |
|
|
Control UltraSonic Dog Bark Silencer Trainning Whistle Repellent LED Light Torch $9.00 |
|
|
Lionel # 167 Whistle Controller 2 boxes/inserts…empty boxes $9.00 |
|
|
AMERICAN FLYER SWITCHES-UNCOUPLERS-CONTROL BUTTONE-WHISTLE BUTTON $9.99 |
|
|
33% OFF RARE 1030 Lionel Junior whistle controller and transformer. $15.50 |
|
|
LED Key Finder Locator Find Lost Keys Chain Keychain Whistle Sound Control $0.99 |
|
|
OLD LIONEL TRANSFORMER CONTROLLERS AND TRACK LOT WHISTLE CONTROLER VINTAGE $34.00 |
|
|
Tomy Play to Learn Remote Controlled Whistle n Go Puppy $26.60 |
|
|
K-300502 Erie Steam Engine and Tender w/air whistle & controller 1C $125.00 |
|
|
VINTAGE AMERICAN FLYER 314AW LOCOMOTIVE & TENDER W/ WHISTLE CONTROL BOX,WRAP A++ $249.99 |
|
|
Tyco HO Scale Accessory-Remote Control Steam Whistle in Billboard, Item #934 $23.99 |
|
|
KAHLENBERG WHISTLE CONTROL SWITCH M-463 NEW $50.00 |
|
|
Lionel Trains ~ Whistle Gateman Shack ~ #48043 with Control Button $15.00 |
|
|
4in1 Vibra+Static+Whistle+Led Remote Control Dog Pet Training Collar $8.99 |
|
|
American Flyer Air Chime Whistle Controller Base $4.99 |
|
|
LIONEL CW80 TRANSFORMER–BRAND NEW-CONTROLS FOR FORWARD, REVERSE, HORN, WHISTLE, $39.00 |
|
|
BOXED LIONEL #1033 TOY TRAIN TRANSFORMER-90 WATTS-WHISTLE CONTROL-INSTRUCTIONS- $38.50 |
|
|
LIONEL WHISTLE CONTROLLER # 166 PRE WAR 1940′S $8.99 |
|
|
Unusual Store Inventory Control, 11″ Police Display w/Whistle, Handcuffs & Hat $25.00 |
|
|
Lionel 147 Whistle/Horn Control Switch Battery Powered Postwar Free Shipping $9.99 |
|
|
Vtg Lionel Train Whistle Controller 167 & Manual & Unload Uncouple Button Track $27.57 |
|
|
40s LIONEL TRAIN Lot:Metal Figures #30,Train,Buildings,Track,Whistle,Controller $49.99 |
|
|
20*NEW LED torch Sound Control Lost Key Finder Locater Whistle chain Keychain $18.88 |
|
|
Keyfinder Whistle Controlled Anti-theft Anti-Lost Security Keychain Sound+Light $1.50 |
|
|
Remote Control Thomas the Tank Engine___Whistles & Plays Theme Song___New! $33.29 |
|
|
Whistle Blower no65 Vintage Lionel Train Control Toy *FREE SHIPPING* $11.99 |
|
|
Anti-Bark Remote Control Dogs Training Shock Collar-Shock vibration whistle LED $28.99 |
|
|
Remote Control Anti-Bark Dogs Training Shock Collar-Shock vibration whistle LED $31.59 |
|
|
Remote control dog training collars&leashes, pet traine 2 level vibrate &whistle $9.99 |
|
|
Remote control bark stop pet collar,dog training collar 2 level vibrate&whistle $0.99 |
|
|
Remote control dog training collar 2 level vibrate+2 level whistle,pet accessory $18.59 |
|
|
Lionel O Gauge Post War 167 Whistle Controller in the Original Box $41.99 |
|
|
PRE WAR LIONEL WHISTLE CONTROL # 66 $29.99 |
|
|
BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUE LIONEL TRAIN WHISTLE CONTROLLER $167 +ORIGINAL BOXES ldk $89.84 |
|
|
Lionel Whistle Reverse Controller 167 O Scale Toy Model Train Vintage Collect $7.99 |
|
|
Lionel No. 66 Whistle Controller box only $9.99 |
|
|
1938 LIONEL INST SHEET #167 OPERATE WHISTLE CONTROLLER $16.50 |
|
|
LIONEL O 66 WHISTLE CONTROLLER IN BOX 430551 $7.00 |
|
|
BRAND NEW Fanon MV-25WS Megaphone 9″ Diameter Bell Volume Control Whistle Switch $149.95 |
|
|
LIONEL O 167 WHISTLE CONTROLLER IN BOX 430870 $7.00 |
|
|
Set of 3 Remote Control Locator Home Gadgets Whistle & Find -NIB-*FREE SHIPPING* $20.99 |
|
|
Tomy Play to Learn R/C Remote control Whistle Go Puppy $31.25 |
|
|
American Flyer Air Chime Whistle Controller $24.99 |
|
|
WHISTLE CONTROL AIRCHIME MFG MODEL WT-15601 120VOLTS $199.00 |
|
|
AMERICAN FLYER S AIR CHIME WHISTLE CONTROL 426939 $7.00 |
|
|
Lionel No. 167C Whistle controller Instructions Blue Sheet Original 4-47 $14.95 |
|
|
Sound Control Lost Key Finder Keychain Locater Whistle $1.50 |
|
|
Lot 10 Sound Control Lost Key Easy Finder Keychain Locater Whistle $8.95 |
|
|
1950 Ad Lionel Train Toy Railroad Christmas Magnetraction Remote Control Whistle $36.95 |
|
|
Lionel 8251-50 MPC Whistle Controller Part NOS $9.99 |
|
|
LIONEL * 1033 * LOW START * WHISTLE CONTROL TRANSFORMER $69.00 |
|
|
1913 r ad signal control co auto whistle operator $39.99 |
|
|
LIONEL O WHISTLE CONTROLLER 022 CONTROLLER LANTERNS 431323 $8.00 |
|
|
NEW LED torch Sound Control Lost Key Finder Locater Whistle chain Keychain $0.99 |
|
|
New AB 2 Level Remote Control Dog Pet Vibrate Vibration Whistle Training Collar $17.45 |
|
|
LIONEL O 8251 HORN WHISTLE CONTROL 147 CONTROLLER 424412 $8.00 |
|
|
Older Lionel O Scale #167 Whistle Controller & Box $40.00 |
|
|
LIONEL #167 WHISTLE CONTROLLER W/OB & #95 CONTROLLING RHEOSTAT $12.50 |
|
|
4 in1 Electric Dog Control Shock / Vibrate / Led Flashing / Whistle train collar $27.78 |
|
|
Electric Dog Control Training Collar 4 in1 Shock /Vibrate /Led Flashing /Whistle $27.44 |
|
|
LIONEL O GUAGE TYPE125 watt LW MULTI-CONTROL TRANSFORMER w WHISTLE & BOX INSTRUC $125.00 |
|
|
1041-13 RECTIFIER DISC FOR LIONEL TRAINS WHISTLE CONTROL – ZW – KW – 1033 OTHERS $8.95 |
|
|
K-LINE 3503WT SANTA FE WHISTLING TENDER WITH WHISTLE CONTROLLER NEW IN BOX $59.50 |
|
|
Perfect Solutions Sound Activated Key Finder with Microlight, Titanium $10.90 Applause! Applause! This key holder is so hi-tech, it’s nearly impossible to lose! Just clap your hands to set off its special anti-loss device. A series of beeps will guide you to its locationâand your car, house or office keys. Also features a high-powered, long-lasting, super bright mini-microlight that illuminates door and auto keyholes in the dark. Helps you retrieve dropped items and re… |
|
|
World’s Finest 17pc 7-PLY Waterless Cookware Set $313.99 This Waterless Cookware Set is made with heavy 7-PLY 304 Surgical Stainless Steel and carbon steel…guaranteed to last a lifetime. **Induction Compatible Cookware: The Carbon Steel located inside the surgical stainless steel makes this cookware perfect for Induction Top Stoves. This set is suitable for Ceramic, Electric, Gas and Induction Top Stoves. The 7-ply construction spreads the heat quickl… |
|
|
Perfect Solutions Whistle-and-Find Remote Control Locater, Set of $18.00 This Remote Control Finder and Locator makes sure you never lost your remote control again! Stop the frustrating hunts for remote controls that get lost in sofa cushions or fall out of sight. With this two part signal system, all you have to do is toot the whistle…and follow the locator beeps and flashing lights to your missing remotes. Includes whistle transmitter with TV caddy plus three micro… |
|
|
No Shame $8.16 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Rockin Bones: 1950s Punk & Rockabilly $54.01 The rawest ’50s rock retains an irresistible pop culture gravity: indeed, the farther one moves away from it in time, the more compelling–and often intoxicatingly alien–it can seem. Produced with fervent devotion by Rhino roots-rock veteran James Austin and featuring a detailed, track-by-track annotation by rockabilly guru Colin Escott, the 101 tracks on these four discs (fully a third of them m… |
|
|
Whistler Pro-1200W 1,200 Watt Power Inverter $199.95 1200-watts of continuous powerHigh surge power digital battery/volt/watt meter overload indicator and thermostat-controlled fanInverter will automatically shut down if load exceeds inverter ratingGround fault sensing and electronic circuit protection3 AC outlets and one USB portRemote control readyAutomatically shuts down until short circuit is removedAutomatically shuts down if internal temperatu… |
|
|
Bird-X DG Deer Gard Ultrasonic Deer Repeller $40.77 Ultrasonic devices are safe, humane and maintenance-free yard protectors that keep deer off your property without the need for messy or expensive chemical solutions. A built-in infrared motion sensor activates the ultrasonic repeller when pests move into coverage zone. Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 6 3/4 x 5 1/4 x 3 1/2, Removal Of: Deer, Single, Pair, or Set: Single, Power Source: Battery or electr… |
|
|
Frigidaire FGHD2433KF Gallery 24 Built-In Dishwasher – Stainless Steel $559.00 Quietest Dishwasher in its Class: A quiet performance every time. Effortless Dry: Get the best drying performance in it’s class? with EffortlessDry. Read More SpaceWise Organization System: Our SpaceWise Organization system features adjustable racks and the Largest Silverware Basket so there’s a place for virtually anything. Largest Silverware Basket: Theres room for over 180 items in our multi-c… |
|
|
X-Factors $1.99 … |
|
|
RENO 911! 216 $1.99 … |
