Joe,
Thanks for all the information you've provided. I found your article from September 27, 2010 on how to make a heavy duty bell button. I went to Radio Shack to purchase the parts needed to build the switch. However, they don't have the 276-1661 diodes listed in their system anymore. They did have a 276-1653 diode. I also called Digi-Key and they have a 6amp 50 volt diode part number 6AO5-TP. Would either of these work?

Radio Shack did carry the 3 amp 275-1549 switch. They didn't have a 275-016 switch however, they did have a 275-0016 spdt sub mini lever switch rated at 5 amps at 125/250 vac. Digi-Key had a spst normally opened switch rated at 5 amp, 120 volt AC part number GH1358-ND. Would either of these 5 amps work because I prefer to go with the heavier switch.

Any feed back on which diodes or switches will work will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

  I recently purchased a Williams O27 Hudson item no. 40101. I am currently running the train with an old Lionel 275 watt ZW transformer with only the whistle button.Several people have told me I can make a switch,I believe using a double pole switch.I am aware Lionel makes a sound switch (6-5906),however I would prefer to build one using 16 gage wire instead of the thinner wire Lionel uses.When running my post war Lionel Engines with the thinner wire the engine slows down considerably when activating the whistle.This doesn't happen with the 16 gage wire.Any help would be appreciated.Thanks                                                                                                                                               jac