SOUND SYSTEMS

[smokymtguy]

With all the sound systems we have today, how many of you run your trains with the sounds on or off?

[coalcracker]

I like the engine sounds on PS2, but I could live without the crew chatter. 

[LittleTommy]

I don't have all the options that O Gauger's have because I only run S gauge.

Most of  my Flyer Steam engines have built in "Choo-Choo" and a few have whistles.  I have retrofitted the Flyer Steam that didn't "choo-choo" with sound systems that do provide that sound .  I run all my Lionel Steamers, S Helper and American Models Steamers with the "choo-choo" and use the whistles and bells but I almost never use the crew sounds. 

I have retrofitted most of my old Flyer Diesels and the few steamers that came with a whistle  with modern sounding horns and whistles (replacing the "god awful Nathan Air Chime Whistle). and run my S Helper and American Models Diesels with their horns, bells and on board engine sound active.

I have a few old Talking Stations that I activate if I have a visitor, and I have a few stock cars fitted with animal sounds that activate the noise if they are switched in any but the most gentile manner.

I have a Model Rectifier City and Country sound system wired into my layout and I always run that system when I operate my layout, so I have different sounds depending on what part of the layout the train is running through.  I like it because it makes a visitor focus on the part of the layout the sound is coming from and allows me to seperate scenes on the layout not only visually but also aurally. 

If I had a choice, I would not get a locomotive with the crew/tower  chatter,  I find it distracting and generally find it doesn't add "play value" for me.  I find that the mechanical "choo-choo" is more rdurable and dependable, than the 'railsound' alternative  and, given the choice would prefer a steam locomotive fitted with a mechanical chuff and a modern whistle and bell to any of the alternatives available.

Little Tommy