A KW or ZW can only operate the horn or whistle. If you add a sound button you can ring the bell. If you put the locomotive into conventional mode you will get the motor noise. If you add a battery the shutdown noises will operate. Thats about it. Any of the advanced button operated features you spoke of like crew-talk require TMCC or Legacy.
I currently run the Legacy system with a ZW transformer.
If I disconnect the ground and run conventional the train will still run. The one I tested this on is a newer, 2008, GS4 6-11127. The Whistle and chuff worked OK but you do not have the multi level whistle effect. You can get some sounds by using the whistle. Blowing it once gives a response when stopped, this worked erratically. No brake sounds, bell or any of the other effects this newer engine has. No comparison with speed control in the conventional vs Legacy mode.The Legacy is much better and consistent with the odessey speed control.
I tried this on a slightly older, (2004), Santa Fe #19 F3 and the only thing that worked there was the horn and diesel motor sounds. Train did run but speed control was not very good.
For how they hold up I have 3 of the first model 1995 and one of the next years model along with others on the first year model I had to replace the radio receiving board on one but thats it. now one of those has never been run or the rest of the set as there new in box from 1995 its the NYC freight set that came with a cab one controller. I also run conventional and even have one track set up for both Thur a TPC-300 Track power controller powered by my zw ( postwar model)
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
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Mickey,
My set up is similar to your's but I have upgraded number of years ago to TMCC. I have not gone to Legacy or the MTH system as of yet for I have a couple of MTH engines that I would like to get the full functions out of them. I have added the sound activation buttons for modern conventional and they work fine. As for function, everyone here is dead on. As for holding up, I have had to get 2 of my TMCC engines repaired, a K-Line and a Lionel. Other than that I have had no major problems.
John
Kev - I was referring to the controls on the Cab-1 and Cab-2 that control these features. There is alot you can do with a TMCC equipped engine that you can't do in Conventional, and much more with regards to Legacy.RT - The engine sounds are part of the sound system so yes you get them all.
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lion88roar You need either a Cab-1 and Base (old TMCC), or Legacy System to access ALL of TMCC features. If you are running a TMCC/Legacy engine in conventional you will only get the standard bell/whistle/horn and some very basic crew/tower com. You will not be able to access the brake squeel, speed control, and other features that require the 'touch screen' on the Cab-1 and Cab-2 remotes.
You need either a Cab-1 and Base (old TMCC), or Legacy System to access ALL of TMCC features. If you are running a TMCC/Legacy engine in conventional you will only get the standard bell/whistle/horn and some very basic crew/tower com. You will not be able to access the brake squeel, speed control, and other features that require the 'touch screen' on the Cab-1 and Cab-2 remotes.
Brent. I get break squeal on our Trainsounds box car and the new RTR General set. All you do is run it at a set throttle position and then back it off and they work as do the engine sounds. As far as TMCC/Legacy engines I did not think that was the question. I would Have no idea on them for I have none. I am referring to RailSounds and TrainSounds only.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Brent how about engine sound will you get any of it
jwse30 One thing you will likely need to add is a sound activation button or two depending on your transformer. These little switches wire between the transformer and the track and allow you to sound the horn and/or the bell.
One thing you will likely need to add is a sound activation button or two depending on your transformer. These little switches wire between the transformer and the track and allow you to sound the horn and/or the bell.
One thing you will likely need to add is a sound activation button or two depending on your transformer. These little switches wire between the transformer and the track and allow you to sound the horn and/or the bell. If your transformer already has a whistle switch on it (some do, some don't), it may work to sound the horn.
A lot of the newer engines have remote control couplers that only work with the command control. If you do a lot of switching on your layout, that may be something to consider. Of course, if the car behind the engine has a magnetic coupler, you could always just uncouple it from there instead of the engine.
Hope this helps,
J White
Off the top of my head not sure but if you just want some sound and dialog check out some of the engines that have train sounds ( a lot are conventional ) and they have engine sound, crew talk and tower com I believe along with horn/whistle and bell not positive on all this but seems what I have been told. hope this helps if you get a tmcc engine they will do some things I believe but not all but not sure what they will or won't do.
Hello:
My layout is a PW setup run by a ZW and a KW, fairly simple. I am considering purchasing a collector series Lionel 2331 that has features such as Crewtalk, Railsounds, and Towercom. Will any of these features work and can I control them with just my PW transformers or must I venture into command control systems to enjoy these features? Have these more modern locos held up like the old PW horses? Thanks for any input on the subject. I thought the grandkids might enoy a little audio excitement along with their visits to grandpas layout.
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