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!

Good Sound Decoder

1220 views
7 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    August 2010
  • 14 posts
Posted by Train'sMainMan618 on Friday, August 27, 2010 11:40 AM

 I believe in my first post I mentioned that it manufactured by bachmann spectrum. I did forget to say that it is HO and is not diesel, but steam. 

Lop Il 

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, August 26, 2010 12:01 PM

 Do a Google search for your loco prime mover. You will get many results. I have done that as well as asking Litchfield for a suitable decoder.

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
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, August 26, 2010 8:53 AM

In general, the Tsunami recommendation is a good one.

To determine the "perfect" decoder though, this is what's important:

Who made the original prototype locomotive?  Was it EMD, Fairbanks-Morse, Alco?  For diesels, at least, the motor sounds were very distinctive.  I think most of the "generic diesel" sounds are EMD 567 prime movers, but those are very different from what you'd want in an Alco.

What prototype model was it?  An EMD E7 would sound somewhat different from an EMD F7.

What scale is the model?  Smaller decoders are made for N-scale, but they may not be able to support the higher current requirements of HO locomotives.

Who made the model?  Some decoders are designed as drop-ins for particular engines by particular manufacturers, Athearn, Kato, Bachmann, etc.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: SE Minnesota
  • 6,847 posts
Posted by jrbernier on Thursday, August 26, 2010 8:02 AM

  Exactly which manufacturer/model engine is it?  I am assuming HO?  The decoder needs to be sized for the model, not what is painted on the engine!

Jim

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

  • Member since
    August 2010
  • 14 posts
Posted by Train'sMainMan618 on Monday, August 23, 2010 3:12 PM
Which Decoder would you recommend for my train type?
  • Member since
    August 2010
  • 14 posts
Posted by Train'sMainMan618 on Monday, August 23, 2010 12:53 PM
richg1998

 SoundTraxx Tsunami. Check the SoundTraxx site. There is a lot of info with downloadable sound clips for the different loco sounds.

Litchfield Station who I order DCC stuff from has good prices No shipping charge over $75.00. Litchfield does answer email and you can ask them about which decoder to use.

Rich

Thank Tou
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Monday, August 23, 2010 12:41 PM

 SoundTraxx Tsunami. Check the SoundTraxx site. There is a lot of info with downloadable sound clips for the different loco sounds.

Litchfield Station who I order DCC stuff from has good prices No shipping charge over $75.00. Litchfield does answer email and you can ask them about which decoder to use.

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
    August 2010
  • 14 posts
Good Sound Decoder
Posted by Train'sMainMan618 on Monday, August 23, 2010 12:23 PM
What is a good decoder for a Spectrum Southern Railways Locomotive? Thank You, Lop Il

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

There are no community member 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!