I have a pair of these locos (UP version war babies, not that it matters) and I would like to intstall sound. Both locos are "DCC ready" supposedly. I plan to use Tsunami heavy steam. Could converting these locos possibly be as easy as plugging in decoder and adding speaker? Specifically, what I'm wondering is if there is any issue with lights etc. Are there any other issues I should be aware of. I have scoured the internet for info and haven't found anything useful.
Any other things I need to check out before taking loco apart? Would switching lites to LED's create any issues?. I've done about a dozen diesels and this will be my first steamer. Next up will be a changeout of Big Boy and Challengers to Tsunami from the (UGH) MRC decoders currently installed. I see how MRC has earned their reputation (or lack thereof) on these locos.
You don't need to take the loco apart, just open up the tender and see if it has the NMRA 8-pin decoder socket. Also check to see how large a speaker can be fit into the tender. Everything will go in the tender, not the engine.
Whether or not the model has an incandescent bulb or LED for the headlight is immaterial unless you're going to be removing the constant lighting board that is in the tender. For a simple plug-in decoder, the lighting board takes care of the light type.
I have taken the tender apart and there is, in fact, an 8 pin plug which currently has a jumper/dummy plug installed. There is more than ample room under the coal load portion of the tender for a good sized speaker. the loco to tender plug has 6 wires.
One thing that surprised me, or I just forgot, was that this loco is made in Austria. I purchased this engine marked for Santa Fe and converted it to UP and repainted and decaled somewhere around 5 years ago. This was before UP versions were announced and I don't think sound was even offered back then.. In my opinion, these are/were some of the best P2k offerings.
My question regarding the lights was due to the fact that the head and backup lights currently suck. They get brighter as more current is applied, but still nothing to write home about. I think these are 1.5V bulbs? Lights aside, it would appear that this could be a simple plug and play (adding speaker of course).
Installing a decoder is going to solve the problem with the lights. Since you have confirmed that the tender has the NMRA 8-pin socket, a Tsunami decoder can be installed by carefully cutting back some of the heat shrink that is around the decoder and removing the harness. A new harness with the JST 9-pin plug on one end and a NMRA 8-pin plug on the other end, which can be purchased for an additional $5, would make the installation 'plug n play.'
If the locomotive says "Made in Austria" it is no doubt a Roco product.
Thank you. You have just prompted me to squander another couple hundred dollars for decoders, speakers etc. Ihave placed order to Caboose Hobbies for decoder and harness.
Dick
As far as speakers go my Paragon 2 Y6B has 2 speakers in the tender facing down towards the track. Your tender should be a similar size.
Springfield PA
Use at least one 1.22HB speaker. I use two speakers whenever possible and wire them in parallel. For longer steamers like this, I try to put one in the smoke box. BUT, that makes the install a whole lot more difficult. Be sure and set the engines to be asynchronus--they sound pretty neat as they go in and out of synchronizing.
Richard