I am newbie ot this board, so hello to everyone.
I have many N scale locos (Kato, Atlas; all are diesels) and I am investigating converting my layout to DCC with sound. My problem is I do not enjoy working on locomotives. I will want the sound decoder and speaker to be installed by someone else, either the factory or someone who installs decoders and speakers commercially.
Are there people out there who will retrofit Atlas and Kato diesels with sound?
At this time,I suggest that you go ahead with converting your layout to DCC but as far as sound is concerned,I'd wait until good sound decoders show up on the market for these locos.MRC is the only maker of sound decoders for some of these locos and yet they aren't too reputed for their reliability.
These engines require drop in type decoders and will need some frame milling to accomodate the speaker...not much spare room if any,so if you don't like this kind of work and/or are not properly equipped,you'll have to send these units to professional installers.
The only N scale engines that are factory equipped with sound are Athearn's Big Boy and Challenger steamers(MRC decoders,acceptable sound,haven't failed yet) and Broadway Limited who offer optional sound in their N scale line(Precision Craft Models,Loksound decoders) that I've seen a unit running.The sound quality is better than my Athearn's.