Hey all,
Heres my question. My son was given a 1060 lionel. I beleive from the early 60's. It currently has a 1026 controller.

I just recently purchased a 2018 264 off eBay. I believe that one's from the early 50s. I also just got hold of a whistle tender that was appropriate model for that year.

I need some help to figure out what  controller I should use with the 2018 and whistle tender on the current track I have. There's so many out there it's very confusing for the post-war controllers could somebody please help me thank you.

Thank you Larry,

The 1033 transformer should have no problem powering your 2018 and tender. It should also blow the whistle quite loudly, provided (1) the whistle rectifier disc in the 1033 is good, and (2) the whistle in the tender is in good shape - specifically the motor. It may need to be serviced with a good cleaning and oiling of the bearings.

Clean the loco motor and wheels with naphtha, and lubricate the armature bearings with a light hobby oil. Use a hobby grease on the gears.
http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/locos%5Cdebpix05.pdf

Clean and lube the whistle tender and its motor in a similar fashion.
http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/locos%5Clen6026a.pdf

When all is cleaned and lubed, the 1033 should run the loco and tender with power to  spare. If it does not, there may be a problem with the transformer.

The tender whistle should blow loudly also. If not, the whistle rectifier disc may need replacement in the transformer.

Larry

Connect the 'U' and 'A' terminals of the 1033 to the track lockon.
If you are getting power to the track, the track and wiring are good.

If the loco will not move, it is possible that the 'E'-unit is locked in neutral. Move the lever on top of the engine, turn the power on and off a couple of times, and see if it moves. If it still does not move, you may either have a faulty 'E'-unit or a problem with the loco.

The buzzing in the tender sounds like the relay. If the whistle does not blow, then either the whistle motor needs servicing, or the whistle rectifier in the 1033 transformer may be bad.


Larry

You are saying that the whistle tender will not blow when pulled by the 2018 loco using the 1033 transformer?

That is strange. Do you have another transformer to try out the trains together?

The only thing I can think of about the 1033 is that the circuit breaker may be faulty and not letting full power to the track.


Larry

You're welcome.

Enjoy your trains.


Larry