I think this has been discussed before but maybe theres new information. I plan on buying an HO Athearn Genesis MP15AC with DCC & Sound. I know they have MRC decoders which have not really gotten good reviews. Since everyone in this forum has an opinion I'd like to hear some about this loco.
I purchased this loco WITHOUT sound and am very happy with it. They use a sagami motor which is very smooth, and the shell detail is fantastic. I dropped an NCE D13SRJ and added the strobe light function to it. I would Never buy an MRC sound decoder. I value this forums recommendations on decoders and almost....almost everyone says they are crap. Thats good enough for me. Talk to Davidmbedard for his suggestions on installing a sound decoder for that model. He is the expert.
Bump
I would also recommend avoiding the MRC sound decoder.
I have 4 MP15ACs, all with TCS plug-in decoders. On one I had to rewire the blinky light to the proper terminal on the board. The rest have been fine. They run great, just a little on the light side. An Atlas S2 will drag two around. Just need to get a pair then.
On two I removed the 8-pin plug, for more room inside. It is a bit tight in there.
Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com