Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

What sound decoder for a three cylinder shay?

2862 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2007
  • 31 posts
Posted by mike_ruby on Thursday, July 3, 2008 2:00 PM
Loksound do a shay sound for their decoders. I haven't loaded it on to a decoder to hear it fully, but from the programer software the exhaust beats sounds are close together like a real shay, and the other sounds seem quite good. I have found that the engine/steam sounds often sound better in the decoder. When I get around to fitting my logging layout with DCC I'll use these decoders, too busy doing my modern UP layout for now.

Mike Ruby
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: SE Minnesota
  • 6,845 posts
Posted by jrbernier on Thursday, July 3, 2008 11:04 AM

Art,

  Shays have so many 'chuffs' as they move - they sound like there doing 60,and are only doing 5-10 mph.  Most steam souind decoders have an adjustment to 'time' the chuffs.    Just set it so it pleases you, and run it slow!

Jim

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 12:23 PM

One thing to keep in mind is that a Bachmann Shay is equipped with sound trigger microswitches for the fast-paced chuff of a Shay, but your brass locomotive is not going to be so equipped, and it will be extremely difficult to time a brass shay's chuff without these internal microswitches.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 10:44 AM

The Standard Tsunami, 1 amp current, and the Micro-Tsunami 0.75 amp, both come in a light logging version.

Light Logging - includes a collection of whistles and sounds suitable for installation in geared and light logging locomotives such as the shay, climax, heisler and other small engines. Whistles included are:

  • Westside Lumber Co. Shay #14
  • Westside Lumber Co. Shay #12
  • Heisler
  • Peanut whistle
  • D&RGW Single Chime
  • Check your Shay current draw. 

    I buy all my stuff from Litchfield, no shipping charge over $50.00. 

    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.

    • Member since
      January 2005
    • From: Winnipeg Canada
    • 1,637 posts
    Posted by Blind Bruce on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 9:55 AM
    Litchfield Station put a Micro Tsunami in my Bachmann 3 truck Shay and it sounds Fantastic!!!

    73

    Bruce in the Peg

    • Member since
      October 2006
    • From: Western, MA
    • 8,571 posts
    Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 9:43 AM

    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.

    • Member since
      March 2005
    • From: New Brighton, MN
    • 4,393 posts
    What sound decoder for a three cylinder shay?
    Posted by ARTHILL on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 8:57 AM
    Time to get the old brass three truck shay updated. What decoder will give the best sound for the three cylinder, high speed sound of the shay? I don'y want it to sound like a Mikado.
    If you think you have it right, your standards are too low. my photos http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a235/ARTHILL/ Art

    Subscriber & Member Login

    Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

    Users Online

    Search the Community

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    Model Railroader Newsletter See all
    Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!