Atlas HO diesel - factory sound decoder or install aftermarket sound decoder?

[JustDave]

I am going to be preordering an Atlas GP40-2(W) from their latest run, and am wondering if it is worth it getting the model with the factory installed QSI DCC sound decoder, or  simply getting the DC model and installing an aftermarket sound decoder?

My layout is in the planning and room preparation stages, and whilst I know I want DCC and sound, I have no experience in this area, so any and all knowledge and advice is welcome.

Thanks,

David

[cacole]

If a model is available with factory installed sound, you're usually better off getting it that way instead of trying to add sound later, especially since they usually have custom fit speakers.

In most cases, it's even cheaper to get the factory installed sound unless you intend to change to a different brand of sound decoder than what the manufacturer uses.

[JoeinPA]

Dave:

I have 2 Atlas GP 40-2s with factory QSI sound. I have been very pleased with them. I don't know what extras are on the after market QSIs of that era. The newer QSI Titans may have more sound features but I really don't want any more than what I have. The motor control on the units I have is excellent too. So unless there is a clear advantage to the after market units I think that you will be happy with the factory installed version.

Joe

[richg1998]

I have the Atlas GP40 with QSI. It has two 28mm speakers facing each other in an aluminum A frame. No idea if the DC only version comes with this A frame if it is even available in DC. It definitely cost less than buying a DC loco and installing a Tsunami which is my decoder of choice, normally when I do my own installs.

Rich

[jrbernier]

  new Atlas GP38/40 engines have an 'A-Frame' in the rear for dual speakers.  Even the 'Silver' series have this chassis.  I think you will find that the 'Gold' series with DCC/Sound will cost less than adding DCC/Sound later....

Jim

[retsignalmtr]

If you are going to spend the bucks for an Atlas DCC/Sound equipped loco you can buy the DC version and  spend a little more and get the decoder of your choice (Tsnuami). The three Atlas locos I have (SD35-MP15-C420) with QSI sound are OK in a small quiet room. But I only run them in my clubs enviornment and at shows so the sound is nothing more than a hiss. On the other hand my Bachmann 2-8-0 with a Tsnuami is fantastic at shows and my club and I usually have to lower the sound level when my clubs room is quiet.

[mlehman]

My QSI-equipped C420s sound great -- or at least sound like what I remember of now 40+ year old memories of hearing the real thing. I have no complaints in that department.

However, programming QSI decoders to speed match other decoders can be challenging. I certainly wouldn't argue with those who'd prefer to DIY with their own choice of decoders.

However, if these are your first sound locos, there nothing to speed match them with and you may not even have a preference in decoders yet. Certainly, jumping into a sound decoder install right off the bat may not be a good idea if you have no decoder install experience. Unless you have a strong interest in doing the install, I'd go with the factory sound; as others have mentioned, it's probably less expensive and someone else has done the work for you.

[JoeinPA]

Mike:

I guess I'm lucky my 2 QSI equipped GP40-2s ran together perfectly out of the box. No speed matching needed.

Joe

[rrinker]

 Given that the price difference is less than the cost of the sound decoder and speaker, plus your time, it's probably best to just get one with the sound already.

 That said, the Atlas ones are probably the easiest to convert to sound, because the non-sound versions still have the same frame with the speaker frames, so as long as you get the same size speakers as used in the factory sound versions, even the speakers will be a drop-in installation.

 My Atlas Trainmaster with QSI runs fine with my Proto GP7's with TCS motor-only decoders, and I did no matching.

            --Randy