Recommend me a sound decoder: Walthers GP9M

[O'Ghoul]

As the title suggests, I would like to add sound to 4 GP9Ms. I've already got them wired with LEDs and 9 pin harnesses.

The other locomotives in my roster that feature sound are a pair of P1K GP15s with the MRC drop-ins and a pair of BLI Blue Line SD9s. I'm happy with the sounds from these locomotives, so I don't know that I need a $200 stereo decoder (that's an exaggeration).

So I guess what I'm saying is that I'd like something reasonably priced (since I may end up doing all 4 at once) with decent sound and motor control, with speakers included.

Thanks,
Tim

[O'Ghoul]

I apologize for the long paragraph, the mobile site ate my formatting.

[MisterBeasley]

My own personal odyssey of sound decoders began with a P2K 0-6-0 with factory sound.  I added sound to several diesels with the low-cost Digitrax models.  Then, I decided to try a Tsunami.  Yes, the Tsunami is much more expensive.  It's larger, it doesn't come with a speaker, and it can't be re-programmed to be a different engine.  But, once you've heard it running on your own layout, you will appreciate the difference.

So I would recommend getting one Tsunami and trying it.  Get a speaker enclosure, too, so you can get the full effect.

[cacole]

A LokSound Select would also be a good choice, and it comes with a speaker and enclosure, but not in a 9-pin JST model -- only 8-pin NMRA plug.

[O'Ghoul]

Thanks for the recommendations. I know the tsunami sounds good, I was worried that it'd make the rest of what I have sound bad. Lol

Space in the GP9Ms isn't much of an issue (these are based off the Athearn wide-body/Cox GP9s), and there is a removable weight under the long hood, however the less of that that I have to cut out, the better.

[Train Modeler]

For the 567 prime mover in GP9s, I think Tsunami's are by far the best.  But you must have a good speaker and enclosure--this is a huge element.  Use at least a  medium oval speaker.   I file mine down to fit inside the unit and file the inside of the unit walls also.    I make my own enclosures with card stock or plastic sheets so that I can make them as large as possible and use the cowl sides themselves to maximize space.

If I were doing an ES44AC, then I would consider a Loksound.   ONe thing I like about Tsunami's is F11 braking which helps operational realism.

Richard

[norpacguy]

If you can find them (occasionally on E-Bay), the Soundtraxx decoder that was made for Life Like (Proto 2000) engines might be the one to go for.  It was designed to replace the light board.  The work involved includes wiring in resistors for the lights and wiring in a speaker.  I have found that a 3/4" speaker in the cab works quite well.

All of this is predicated on the possibility that the wiring for this engine may be the same as for the Proto.  If not, and if you can find an older Soundtraxx decoder (not a Tsunami) programed for 2nd generation EMD, you should be able to use that.  Again, if there is room to place the speaker in the cab, you don't have to whittle off portions of the weight.