I'm running bachmann DC E-Z track (black) And i only run one locomotive on it. But i would like for it to have sound for it. Do they make a locomotive with sound? Can some one tell me what i need to buy. To get this done? I buy my stuff from here. Because they have good prices
http://www.hobbylinc.com/model_trains
wilson,
Your inquiry is a bit confusing. Are you asking what sound decoder/speaker(s) to buy in order to install sound in your current locomotive? Or, are you looking for a recommendation on purchasing a locomotive with sound? It would be helpful to know what you currently have and what you want to model.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I would like to purchase a locomotive with sound. as long as its not to expensive. and i was wondering if it will work on my DC track. If not. What would i need to run it? A new controller? I just wish to have sound for a locomotive? thanks
Browsing the web site you mentioned, there are many DCC Sound locos listed. Most of these will run on DC as well. http://www.hobbylinc.com/cgi-bin/s8.cgi?cat_s=UBC&tag0_i=546
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Can you give us a ballpark figure of what your idea of "not too expensive" is? $100? $150? $200? As a general rule, sound is going to cost you $80-$100 over the cost of a non-sound locomotive.
As Simon already mentioned, most DCC w/sound locomotives can operate on a DC layout. However, you won't be able to access as many sounds as you would if you had a DCC system; since that is what it was primarily designed for.
I'll ask the question again: What locomotive do you currently have? Do you want a sound locomotive in that same era? Or, is modeling a specific era not a primary concern for you?
Micro Mark sells a Alco HO scale, 2-6-0 with on board sound for $107.95. I just checked. Very good specs. Certain sounds will work on DC. They also sell a DCC ready for less BUT, you need a sound decoder with eight pin plug. Last I heard you need a 28mm speaker.
Only Bachmann haters don't like Bachmann locos.
Go to the Bachmann forums and search there for alco 2-6-0. There is a lot of discussion on this loco and a huge 2-8-8-4 EM-1, plus a couple diesels with sound.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Right now i have emd GP40 western maryland.. That era or even a little older is ok And maybe some thing with B&O on it or one that is close to where i live. (Northeast Ohio. And hopefully something in bachmann. Because thats what my rolling stock is.> Budget is up to $150. To run it on my track would i need a different controller?
simon1966 How do i tell which one had the sound in the list you showed me?
Well, if you live in NE Ohio (like I do) then you definitely need a NYC Geep. Unfortunately, I don't see any with sound that are under $200. A Chessie geep would be a good alternative.
If $150 is your budget for a sound locomotive, wilson, then Bachmann is probably what you'll have to settle for. Bachmann's Spectrum line would be better to get (quality-wise) than their Standard line.
FWIW, you can run an older (i.e. early) diesel on your layout. It would be quite reasonable to see one with a Geep, as some of them ran even into the 70s and beyond. The Atlas HH600/660 switcher is a real jewel and can be had for <$100 w/o sound. With sound would probably run in the $150-$200, discounted.
I want to go with bachmann. But how do i tell which one has sound?
wilson44512 I want to go with bachmann. But how do i tell which one has sound?
Read the associated advertising of the loco. Go look at the Bachmann forums. There is a lot of info on the Bachmann products including the diagram of the locos.
If you use Simon's link above, under each locomotive description, it should say "DCC sound" or something similar. "DCC-equipped" means that the locomotive has a decoder but not sound. "DCC-ready" generallys mean that a decoder can be easily or reasonably installed in it.
Price is also an indicator. Sound units shouldn't be below $100.
There's a Bachmann Erie S4 (w/sound) for $105, discounted, on pg. 2. It looks like their Standard line so the quality will be...okay to decent.
thanks tsage i think i will go with that one. I have a old tyco power supply. should i use something newer?
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/bac/bac63206.htm
If you wanna get smoother running from your locomotives, an MRC power pack would be a good choice. I have a couple of Railpower 1370s that I bought for $20-$25 ea, discounted. The 1370 or one of the Tech4 power packs would be a vast improvement over your Tyco.
Although I know it can be done, I've never tried controlling sound with a DC power pack. The MRC Blackbox might be an alternative for you. Discounted prices for one are <$60. [Sample] From what I've read It fits between your DC power pack and your track.
DCC is another alternative but will cost you ~$100 more for a control unit than the MrC Blackbox. It would be advisable to read up on it first before making any decisions along those lines. If you're only going to be operating one locomotive at a time, DC is just fine.
Hope that helps...
Look carefully at the messages in the Bachmann forum. Their new line is, Sound Value line. Take time to read the forums, HO and General. Don't let others lead you by the hand. Do your own research and you will be better off. I am quite sure this will be expanded as it is a quite new series. I have been following the Bachmann forums for some time.
Many are happy with the 2-6-0, S4, EM-1 and FA2 and FB2. I know, you cannot please everyone.
Never forget, all the Bachmann stuff comes from China now and the economics are rapidly changing in China.
Don't bother with the EZ Command DCC controller. Very limited. The EZ Command does operate a few sounds according to some who use it and are happy with what they have. Your mileage may vary.
Go with Digitrax or NCE entry level. A few years ago I dumped the MRC 2000 DC controller and searched the Internet for the best price for a entry level NCE Power Cab.
Be advise, the past few years Bachmann has muddied their own waters. Standard line, Spectrum line and now Sound Value line. Again pay attention to the Bachmann forums. They have company reps there who answer questions. Many here never seem to understand that.
One main reason i want to use a bachmann locomotive is for the coupling line up
I think i might try the MRC Blackbox
wilson44512 One main reason i want to use a bachmann locomotive is for the coupling line up I think i might try the MRC Blackbox
All locomotives of all brands today will couple with each other. They all come with a knuckle type coupler. You might see some older locos/cars with a different coupler, but these are easily converted by just changing the coupler, in most cases no modification is neccessary. Almost all brands of DCC locos are "dual-mode" and will operate on both DC and DCC. There are some "black boxes" that allow much more access to the programing of the DCC decoder on a DC system. So in simple terms, you do not have to stick with a single brand of locomotives.
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
I cant find the MCR blackbox in stock. will this one work?
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/mrc/mrc0001200.htm
wilson44512 I cant find the MCR blackbox in stock. will this one work? http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/mrc/mrc0001200.htm
Dude, that is the MRC blackbox. The link says, in stock. Sigh.
That's just the fancier version of the one that I posted a link for earlier. It'll work, too.
Ulrich has the other one in stock - i.e. if you don't want to spend the extra money. They are a very trustworthy online store.
Unless you acturally switch to DCC, you're goign to have a hard time runnign a sound loco and non-sound coupled together. The sound locos need at least half throttle to get the sounds to work, before the loco even moves. Not a design flaw, it's the way it has to be when you use a control system that varies the track voltage. Unless you want the loco to be moving around the layout at half speed before it even makes starting up sounds. The black box devices that allow you to operate the functions won;t fix that, they just make it possible to access more than just the automatic sounds while using DC power.
With DCC, you can combine sound and non sound locos all you want and run them together.
Sound works on DC, just not very well. If you want sound, contrary to what the various manufacturers say, you want DCC. ANd don't waste money on a 'pseudo' dcc system liek the MRC Tech 6. If you're going to spend that kind of money, just get a regular DCC system and get all of the advantages.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
First of all i would like to thank every one for your help I have decided what i want, So i order the Alco S4 Diesel Loco DCC Sound and the Tech 6 2.0A DC/Blackbox Power Pack. I will get them some time next week. And when i do i will set them up and see how they work. And i will post back and let ya know how it went
richg1998 Look carefully at the messages in the Bachmann forum. Their new line is, Sound Value line. Take time to read the forums, HO and General. Don't let others lead you by the hand. Do your own research and you will be better off. I am quite sure this will be expanded as it is a quite new series. I have been following the Bachmann forums for some time. Many are happy with the 2-6-0, S4, EM-1 and FA2 and FB2. I know, you cannot please everyone. Never forget, all the Bachmann stuff comes from China now and the economics are rapidly changing in China. Rich
What locomotives do not come from China?