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I need a recommendation

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  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Sturgis South Dakota
  • 169 posts
I need a recommendation
Posted by froggy on Thursday, October 7, 2010 7:29 PM

I have some locos that have decoders already but I want them to have sound so I need some recommendations from you guys as to a web sit or sites of people who would do this?

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, October 7, 2010 7:51 PM

Where do you live?  Shipping can be a considerable fraction of the total price.  A nice engine needs to be carefully boxed and insured, both ways.  On the other hand, if we know where you are we can recommend a local shop and save the expense and danger.

Also, what's your time frame?  I had sound added to an S1 switcher. It was a beautiful job, and the labor charge was only $35, but it took a couple of months.

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

Moderator
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Northeast OH
  • 17,249 posts
Posted by tstage on Thursday, October 7, 2010 7:52 PM

Froggy,

Here's four (in alphabetical order), with names of either proprietors or contacts:

Empire Northern Models - Tim Smith

Litchfield Station - Used to be Bruce Petrarca but he retired and sold the business to someone else.  From all appearance they are maintaining Bruce's high standards.

Tony's Train Exchange - Tony

Ulrich Models - Steve

Hope that helps...

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Sturgis South Dakota
  • 169 posts
Posted by froggy on Thursday, October 7, 2010 8:06 PM

I live in Sturgis S.D. home of the huge Bike rally.My last name is Ulrich,lol.I'll try these sites and thanks.

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Friday, October 8, 2010 6:38 AM

tstage

Froggy,

Here's four (in alphabetical order), with names of either proprietors or contacts:

Empire Northern Models - Tim Smith

Litchfield Station - Used to be Bruce Petrarca but he retired and sold the business to someone else.  From all appearance they are maintaining Bruce's high standards.

Tony's Train Exchange - Tony

Ulrich Models - Steve

Hope that helps...

Tom

My only experience is with Tim Smith at Empire Northern Models.  His work is excellent, pricing is extremely reasonable, shipping costs are very fair, and the turnaround time is quick, especially in off season (anytime other than January through March).

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Friday, October 8, 2010 6:46 AM

I've always done my own (and other club member) installs, so I don't know about shipping costs, etc., but Empire Northern and Ulrich Hobby Shop are two of my favorite DCC suppliers.

Empire Northern is in Webster, New York, which is also the home of North Coast Engineering.  Ulrich Hobby Shop is in Colorado, which would be the closest to the OP for shipping purposes.

Litchfield Station is the closest to me, but was sold recently.  A fellow club member had the new owners install sound into a brass diesel locomotive, but had to take it back to be reworked because they didn't do it right on the first try's speaker installation.

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Colorful Colorado
  • 8,639 posts
Posted by Texas Zepher on Friday, October 8, 2010 2:29 PM

froggy

I have some locos that have decoders already but I want them to have sound so I need some recommendations from you guys as to a web sit or sites of people who would do this?

I always do my own because the installers are so pricy.  I've heard what some of the people at the club paid and just cringed.  Gets in to the not-worth it category really quick.  The hardest part is getting the speaker(s) installed.

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