I have a pusher grade approx 35' long which will be the home to a pair of 2-6-6-2's. Is there a way to make them switch their exhaust sounds from compound to simple while running?
Thanks,
oldline1
I would be very surprised. About the best you can do is to set the decoder to indicate pistons that have run out of synch, but on a schedule...sometimes in synch, sometimes not. For the right effect, I open up the lowest gear on the driven axle, lift that axle until it is clear of the gear, and then spin the entire set of drivers about three or four teeth further. Restore the axles, cover the gear, and let the decoder simulate the rest.
Unless,........that model of Tsunami can simulate the effect you want via a function. That would be cool. What does the manual say?
I think you are thinking about the 2 engines going in and out of sync. The Tsunami 2 apparently does this automatically from what I gathered watching one of their youtube videos. That's pretty neat and sounded very realistic.
What I'm talking about is many compound engines also could be operated as simple engines. In compound the exhaust sound only provides 4 chuffs per revolution of the drivers synced with the front engine. In simple all 4 cylinders receive and exhaust steam out the stack so there's exhaust chuffs from both engines resulting in a double beat sound.
My engines, as I intend to use them, would probably be used as simple pushing up the steep grade and when running back down be compound.
I don't have a Tsunami 2 to read the manual. I doubt if it has that capability but after seeing the videos I got to wondering. I'll give the Soundtrax guys a call.
Hi,
this is possible, and was already offered for PCM Y6b with Esu Loksound decoder, which had a special project created for that locomotive.
Detailed review here:
http://mrr.trains.com/news-reviews/staff-reviews/2006/07/precision-craft-ho-scale-nandw-y6b-2-8-8-2-steam-locomotive-delivers-excellent-sound-and-power
Here is the important part:
"A toggle action on F5 simulates the prototype's eight-chuffs-per-revolution starting in simple, or four chuffs per revolution at higher speed in compound operation. The sound quality is good, and the system offers a wide range of adjustments. A reset in CV8 restores the factory settings."
I have Tsunami 2, but did not found such function available. It would be great to have it, but no manucacturer, as far as I know, except from the above unique case, offers it.
Regards,
Hrvoje
I think it would be great to give Soundtraxx a call. I think having a FUNCTION to turn simple (double chuff) into COMPOUND (single chuff) would be an "in demand" idea that nobody has thought about, and nobody apparently cares about either...! I would much prefer my drivers to go "out of sync" when I WANT THEM TO, not RANDOM, as the manufacturers want to do it! Sounds like a good idea to me.... and I think Soundtraxx would be the ones that would do it!
Mike C.
I agree, this would be valuable enhancement of currently available decoder, because nobody offers it, except the above mentioned case in one ESU decoder, which is not available any more (unless you are a programming expert and know how to replicate this function in any current ESU Loksound 4.0 - I assume it is possible to do it).
It would be wise to present to Soundtraxx how many different locomotives could use such function in a steam decoder. Y6b and Y3 (probably), is there more? I mean, every manufacturer takes a decision in relation to possible profit, i.e. if a number of potential customers is low, maybe they will conclude this decoder upgrade will not pay off.
I am just cautious, because Soundtraxx was aware for years that their customers expect that motor control of their decoder could and should be better, but they did not move until (luckily) TCS WOW appeared.
Despite that, I hope your initiative will be a success!
Spalato68 It would be wise to present to Soundtraxx how many different locomotives could use such function in a steam decoder. Y6b and Y3 (probably), is there more?
It would be wise to present to Soundtraxx how many different locomotives could use such function in a steam decoder. Y6b and Y3 (probably), is there more?
Every articulated before 1924, apparently.
All USRA 2-6-6-2's and 2-8-8-2's, for a start. Virginian 2-10-10-2. The Triplexes. B&O Old Maude (first US articulated). Some logging articulateds. ATSF 2-10-10-2. D&H 0-8-8-0. SP 2-8-8-2 cab forward. Virginian 2-6-6-0. GN/NP/CB&Q 2-6-6-2.
And etc.
I've just GOTTA share this photo of a Meyer locomotive:
Looking closer, it seems to be a self propelled rotary plow, so the top engine is NOT connected to the bottom pair. Too bad! There were two of these built for a meter gage Swiss railroad.
Ed