Pros and cons of sound

[Anonymous]

I made the mistake of putting sound into one engine, and now I want it in all of them! I am slowly putting sound in at least one engine of every class I have. I just bought a BLI/QSI C&O T-1 2-10-4 and the thing is incredible, once you turn the volume down. We have noted one major problem with the QSI system: it draws a lot of power. If you have more than 3 or 4 of them in the same DCC block at the same time it blows the breaker. We are currently adding more boosters at the club to remedy this, but it is an expensive fix. The standard soundtraxx decoders are much more forgiving, but not as nice.

[mcouvillion]

I've got sound in a bunch of my locos and it is great. It adds a whole new dimension to operation. But, the volume needs to be reasonable. Default settings are typically way too high, and therefore annoying.

As for the camera in the engine, I have two of the RF Systems Lab TC-9 cameras. For those who remember RailScope by Lionel, yes that was a disaster, but don't equate these newer cameras to those. They are night and day different. I've hidden one in a Trainmaster and it is just like sitting in the engineer's seat in the cab. The color is phenomenal and the view of the railroad is real life. The other camera is used for "hobo views" and is a railfan's dream. EVERYONE who has seen it has come away very impressed. If you have not experienced the new cameras, you do not know what you are talking about! Period. The group I operate with is already planning to change the way at least one operator runs the trains during our operating sessions. With the availability of 4 channels, it is likely that we could see 4 engineers in a room adjacent to the train room, and their conductors walking along with the trains, relaying instructions for switching movements to the engineers by radio. I do not think it is a fad. It is just another way to come closer to the reality of operating a train as realistically as you can, without actually joining the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

Mark C.

[Anonymous]

Sound have added a new deminsion to the locos.There is nithin like a loco starting from a creep to mid speed

[johncolley]

I have a pair of BLI E-7's and a Stewart FT ABBA with sound in one of the B's, the rest powered. I use about half volume and the sound helps me to focus on realistic operation. I am sure any more locos I buy will have sound, and I may try converting some of my existing ones to DCC and sound, even if it is just to try out the more economical generic sets coming out with a speaker. I think that would work for a GP7 or a yard switcher, eh?

[simon1966]

Tom is spot on about controlling the volume. I have 3 BLI's on my layout, 1 E7 and a pair of Heavy Mickado's. The volume level out of the box is far too high and with all 3 going it quickly becomes a cacaphony of sound. Reducing the volume makes it much more manageable. I anticipate adding sound to several of my other locomotives as I really enjoy the sound equipped loco's. As an operator, just having control over the horn/whistle and messing with coupler crash sounds gives you more to think about. The look of concentration on my 5 year old's face as he backs a loco onto a train to make sure he presses the coupler crash button at the right time is worth the price of admission!

[tomwatkins]

I run sound in most of my locomotives, and don't plan on adding any non-sound equipped locomtives in the future. I think sound really adds to the realism and fun. I do keep the volume adjusted down in each loco so that the total amount of sound in the room doesn't become annoying.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins

[CNJ831]

I have one sound locomotive that I run only when the grandchildren come over, strictly for their entertainment. Its effects are novel but hardly necessary for me to enjoy my layout.

Just like Lionel's attempt to prompt on-board TV from locomotives back 15 years ago (a total failure) and smoke offered by many manufacturers going back to even a much earlier time, I think it is more the novelty of realistic sound that is creating a market right now. As locomotive prices spiral ever higher in coming years, I anticipate that unless the price of sound locos drops to virtually equal that of non-sound units, you will see the concept become less desirable.

Commercially available TV-equipped locos are likely to re-appear soon too but I think they'll suffer the same fate that they did with Lionel. Certainly there are (and always have been) the electronic geeks in our hobby who revel in such ideas as sound, flashing lights, and TV but these folks do not represent the mainstream and of themselves are unlikely to be able to maintain an unending demand for these specialized engines.

I'd also have observed that most sound is overdone by modelers and often simply becomes a racket rather than a realistic feature. Yes, the sound systems can be turned down but most guys don't seem to run them that way.

CNJ831

[SpaceMouse]

George Lucas once said that 80% of the movie experieince is sound. It brings the model to life.

I think there will come a time when all models, people, even the cows will be audiomated by a customized computer program in surround sound.

[mikebonellisr]

I have had sound on my layout for years,and running trains w/sound definatly adds to the enjoyment of operating.I keep the sound level fairly low and have my engines programed to "come on" only when they are selected.Any engine that i buy will either include sound or i will add it.To me,having sound is like color TV as opposed to B&W TV.As a matter of fact,I'm hopeing someone develops engine service facility sounds to go with my steam & diesels.I don't know what the cons would be,as you can always turn the sound low or off.

[BRVRR]

Dave,
I like sound. I don't find it distracting. It makes the model railroading experience more fun. My BRVRR is a 4' x 10' double track-main layout. I sometimes run three sound equipped locos at the same time. If the volume is too high, it can get intense, sound wise, but that is why the decoders have volume control.
In my opinion sound adds to the experience. The kids love it. And you can always reduce the volume of the sound or turn it off.
I use it.

[dzamzow]

Hi, all:

I would like to find out what the group thinks about sound on a model railroad. I operate on several local layouts. A couple have sound on only a couple of engines, one has no sound at all, and the others have sound in most (or all!) of the locos. The owner of the one without sound is dead set against it, feeling that it would be very distracting in a crowded layout room. One of the layouts I operate on is in a small (14X16) room, divided down the center. There are usually 4-5 trains going at any given time, and I've never been distracted by another train, at least not if I didn't want to be distracted.

What do you think? Ignoring the expense of sound, is it distracting to you or does it enhance the experience? If you had the opportunity and cost wasn't a factor, would you use it or not?

Thanks in advance for a good, clean discussion.