Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Whistle for Varney Docksider?

1204 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 197 posts
Whistle for Varney Docksider?
Posted by ChrisVA on Sunday, March 24, 2024 10:31 AM

I'm trying to convert a Varney docksider to DCC. I'm using a Tsunami 2, TSU-1100 Steam-2 decoder. I'm not sure what sounds to use for the whistle. Any suggestions on whistle sounds that would be reasonably accurate?

Thanks!

 

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,484 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Sunday, March 24, 2024 10:47 AM

What are your choices?  As I recall, the Tsunami decoders can't be reprogrammed with different sound sets.  On the other hand, I have found that the Soundtraxx people are very cooperative and might be able to help.

I have a small 0-6-0 that is "captive" down in my carfloat terminal.  I put a Soundbug decoder inside a building there and programmed that with a little teakettle whistle.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 2,780 posts
Posted by snjroy on Sunday, March 24, 2024 7:00 PM

A Vulcan might be pretty close:

https://youtu.be/B4AEszKU_cw?si=K866cdfilWZFrlGZ

Simon

 

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 8:42 AM

MisterBeasley
What are your choices?  As I recall, the Tsunami decoders can't be reprogrammed with different sound sets.  On the other hand, I have found that the Soundtraxx people are very cooperative and might be able to help.

I think you're confusing sound sets and sound options. Sound sets are a package of sounds you can download on a decoder, or a manufacturer can download. ESU and Digitrax have decoders you can add sound sets to yourself with a computer and a PR3/4 or ESU LokProgrammer.

All sound decoders come with sound options. A Tsunami 2 steam decoder comes with 62 whistles, 10 exhaust "chuffs", and 12 bell options. You put a number into CV 120 to choose which whistle you want to use, and CV 122 selects the bell. You can do it on your DCC system on the main or on a dedicated programming track. 

https://soundtraxx.com/content/Reference/Manuals/Tsunami2/Steam_Sound_Selections.pdf

Re the original question, IIRC the Docksider is based on a B&O engine, so perhaps the B&O 3-chime would work? Otherwise, work backwards - try to figure out what maker and type of whistle is on the model, and then you can use the sound that matches that. 

Stix

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!