Installing sound in a proto 2000 gp38

[Rambo2]

Is it very hard? Just wondering what would be involved would it be too hard for a novice like me?

[mbinsewi]

Heres a link to a sound install on a P2K GP38-2.  Shows whats involved, no matter who's decoder you use.

https://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/1405

Looks like your going to have to remove some the rear weight to make room for the speaker.

Mike.

[Rambo2]

Thanks

[basementdweller]

What is your experience with decoder installs? 

Removing some weight for a speaker with a Dremel is straight forward, don't let it put you off. Perhaps a sugar cube speaker would fit in the cab area. The sound will need to get out, either through a fan or down through the trucks. 

I prefer to hard wire in decoders in the P2K locos and remove the existing boards. Wire in LED's for front and rear lights, you may have to get creative lining up the LED behind the lens or light tube etc. Plenty of ideas and options will be offered when you are ready to do so.  

Take your time, clean and lube the entire loco while you are at it, do neat wiring and enjoy. 

I prefer to start with a clean slate doing decoder installs in older locos.

[hon30critter]

basementdweller

The sound will need to get out, either through a fan or down through the trucks. 

Actually, the speaker(s) can be installed so that the sound comes right through the shell. I have done several sound installations where I glued the speaker and enclosure right to the top of the shell. The sound waves are transmitted to the shell and the shell transmits the sound waves out into the open.

I was sceptical at first, but all of the installations where I have done this sound great. Note that I was using iphone5 style speakers (sugar cube speakers) so I can't guarantee that this method would work with regular cone style speakers, but I can't see why not. Sound waves are sound waves. Also note that a speaker enclosure is essential no matter how small it might be.

In the OP's case, it looks to me as though a sugar cube speaker with a small baffle might fit inside the cab roof. It might require rearranging the lighting system by using a smaller headlight LED (0603) and gluing the LED directly to the back of the headlight lens.

Dave

[Rambo2]

Thsnks

[Rambo2]

Thanks