Difference Between Lionel's Railsounds and Railsounds II:

[Train-O]

Would someone please tell me the difference between Lionel's Railsounds and Railsounds II?

Thank You,

Ralph

[Train-O]

Thank You,

Spanky

[Pennsylvania Station]

Train-O

Would someone please tell me the difference between Lionel's Railsounds and Railsounds II?

Thank You,

Ralph

Lionel's Railsounds first appeared in 1990, and were "analog" recordings/creations of train sounds.

In 1995, Lionel introduced  Railsounds II, which were "digital" recordings of "real" locomotive sounds, and, obviously, much more realistic.

If you are fortunate to obtain a (currently discontinued)  Railsounds II  steam tender to run behind your pre or postwar Lionel steam  locomotive (a diesel version was also offered), you will experience a totally new experience in enjoying the running of your trains !!!

 

[jetcode]

Railsounds II extended Railsounds.

[gunrunnerjohn]

You beat me to the response, I was going to point out that the sounds had to be digital by the time we receive them.

[jetcode]

The microphones were high end and I believe portable DAT recorders were the norm during the time I was involved. The sound engineer (RT) during this period is still producing sound sets for Lionel going on 20 years and over 250 sound sets. This of course is a significant part of the product. We had good fun inventing the holiday cars and deciding what sounds went into the phantom engine. Best part though was watching Neil light up like a Christmas tree testing new ideas.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Good job on the Phantom locomotive sounds, I have that set.  Very cool!

[dougdagrump]

The Phantom sounds are fantastic. When ERR first offered the TMCC  upgrade for the BEEPS I bought a Mil Road which I thought would be a perfect candidate for the Phantom sound set for halloween. Unfortunately, per Jon Z. they were not compatible.

[jetcode]

I have absolutely no idea where all those trains went or how many happy faces were the result of this effort!

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

jetcode

 I have absolutely no idea where all those trains went or how many happy faces were the result of this effort!

Count one happy face here.

[rtraincollector]

I have one of the original engines that got TMCC the NYC GP-9 and to me it has great sound especially when you blow the horn. Mine doesn't have a crew talk or anything like that just engine sounds, bells and horn but to me the horn on my unit is super. It has like 3 tones I think I know 2 for sure but believe theres a 3rd sound and it all sounds so real. Love all that was created for this.

[gunrunnerjohn]

I have a Milwaukee Road GP-9, the sounds on those are great as well.

One locomotive that had a very distinctive sound that was cool is the DASH-9, loved the sound of the diesel idling, very neat.  You could almost hear the individual cylinders firing.

I have a DASH-9 set of Railsounds chips, one day I'll find a deserving locomotive for them.