New Bachmann sound

[farrellaa]

I think Bachmann has done a great service to the model railroad industry with their new sound DCC locos. I have two steamers, a 4-6-0 and a 2-6-6-2, which I love. Their sound systems are great, the detail level is top notch and the price is unreal. I just paid $149 for the Spectrum 2-6-6-2 articulated loco, brand new. I also have 2 BLI Hudson steam engines that are better sounding by about 10-20%, it that is measurable, but at a much higher price. I also have added a full Tsunami system to my Big Boy and find it to be less than what I had expected.

Once I adjusted all the sounds and levels on my Bachmann Tsunami locos, they are great performers and are two of my favorite locos to run.  I will be looking for more from Bachmann and will try one of the diesels next.

     -Bob

[mactier_hogger]

I recently purchased a Bachmann sound value equipped 2-6-0 and while I'm happy with the stripped down Soundtrax decoder I am NOT happy with the loco itself. The drivers are out of round/improperly mounted resulting in a wobbling action as it's going down the track. Sure, I got it for a good price but now I'm going to have to pay shipping to return it

[phatkat64]

However you want to look at it, Bachmann hit a home run with their "sound value" DCC equipped locos!

Collectors have priced little Johnny out of the hobby! Our own constant demand for locos that do more and more out of the box have driven prices out of most working-class hands...

Bachmann has produced a new line of locomotives with at least adequate performance, some fine detail, but not enough to be overly fragile. They worked with Soundtraxx and came up with a simple, yet great sounding (1 watt, 16 bit) AFFORDABLE sound and control!

I bought the new B'Mann ALCo FA-2. It has the "Sound Value DCC" package. It runs pretty smooth (after adjusting CV 2, 3, and 4). It sounds great! Well producing that broken, in need of a tune, normal ALCo prime mover sound! What they cut out for cost point, is ambient sounds, brake squeal, and only comes with 3 horn choices. You do get other features you're used to (easy consist, individual sound volumes, equalizer, BEMF, ect.)

I paid $98.95 for this HO scale gem! Try getting Athearn, Atlas, Intermountain, Kato and the like for anywhere the price! Sure, my Genesis F7 runs much smoother, but it cost TWICE as much!This is the first great step in getting new blood into our hobby!

Kudos Bachmann!! I really believe they are becoming the new "Athearn Blue Box" - with sound!!!

[fwright]

Keep in mind that the Soundtraxx/Bachmann deal is a 2 way street.  Bachmann is owned by Kader, the largest model railroad manufacturing firm in China.  Soundtraxx owns Blackstone, the producer of a very fine, growing line of HOn3 locomotives and cars - all made by Kader in China to Soundtraxx/Blackstone's exacting specs.

Bachmann gets access to the Soundtraxx Tsunami (and any other Soundtraxx) line of decoders.  Soundtraxx/Blackstone gets access to Kader's manufacturing facilities.

I'm sure Bachmann and Soundtraxx decide together which subset of Tsunami features to offer in Bachmann locomotives.  The full range of Tsunami CVs is probably more than the average Bachmann locomotive owner wants to deal with.  The Tsunamis in the Blackstone locomotives are also customized for the specific prototype, and differ slightly from the stock retail Tsunami.

Fred W 

[Graffen]

I actually believe that Bachmann is changing their line up in DCC.

We see that they offer a SEPARATE sound decoder for the EM-1. I´m not sure, but I suspect that they are offering a real Tsunami, instead of their OEM sound decoder.

The fact that it costs EXACTLY the same as the Tsunami is very indicative towards that.

They are probably introducing simpler sound decoders as well (made by Soundtrax), to be able to offer cheap sound equipped locomotives!

And I hope they have listened to the complaints regarding the standard DCC decoder as well, and replaced it with something that at least has silent running.

They have some DCC ready locos in their news this year, and that is good!

[richg1998]

rrinker

 OK, the MSRP of a regular Tsunami from SOundtraxx is $119. Why would I buy a version with some features removed for the same price?

                         --Randy

Who said you had to?

Some do buy with less fetures. Some flat do not know how to shop.

I just found the below in another forum about Bachmann products. It is an opinion. No my opnion but it does make sense. I have some Bachmann DCC sound and I am happy with them. I have other DCC brands also.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The best way to look at the Bachmann decoder is to understand
the Business Model.  Bachmann primary goal is to sell train sets
and engines.  DCC is a high tech selling (Marketing) tool that
is used to help sell the trains sets and engines.  Focusing on
the same customer who may want to do more with DCC other than
basic engine control, they offer a midrange DCC system (Dynamis)
system which is all sold seperately.

1) Look at the DCC systems they offer.

1a) Low end "EZ command": A Basic DCC system that is PERFECT for
the DCC beginner who starting with a Bachmann Train Set.  They
do offer everything (Expansion and accessories) one would need
to build a complex 4 x 8 DCC layout.  But they have very limited
programming options and address ranges.   Simplicity and low
cost are the goals here.

1b) Midrange "Dynamis":  A "IR" (not radio) based midrange DCC
system that allows for a more sophisticated layout but not
offered as part of a train set.  It has a good user interface. 
It can take full advantage of the DCC sound decoders they offer
but is still missing many DCC feature that other DCC
manufactures offer in their entry level systems.  It could take
you up to a complex but small two car garage size layout.  But
it not suitable for the largest of layouts (range and power) nor
support lots of operators seriously (4 throttle limit) with
another upgrade to the ProBox version.


2) Two decoder choices.  Basic and Sound.  Again simple options
for the DCC beginner.

2a) The standard decoder is custom minimalist design with only a
FRACTION of CV's supported compared to the standard features
found on "bottom of the line" decoder from name brand DCC
decoder manufactures including Lenz's own offerings.  Lowest
cost is clearly the priority with this decoder.

2b) The sound decoder is simply a buy decision but at least they
understand that the Spectrum line of engines are attempting to
go after the mid to higher end market.   At least they picked a
good DCC manufacture and stuck with them...soundtraxx...which is
a high end manufacture.  But the real goal here is simply the
sound capability.

Conclusion: Bachmann is not a major DCC manufacture who's goal
is to compete in the high end DCC market and the majority of the
DCC products as defined reflects that thinking.  DCC is simply a
feature that adds modern high tech fun to trains sets sales.

If you want to get serious about DCC, one need to look beyond
the Bachmann products and go with mainstream DCC manufactures.   
You will get far more for your dollar.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rich

[rrinker]

 OK, the MSRP of a regular Tsunami from SOundtraxx is $119. Why would I buy a version with some features removed for the same price?

                         --Randy

[richg1998]

Hergy

Rich, I'm not really a Bachman fan, but I did notice in Bachman's literature the following:

16-Bit Tsumami

 

®

Companion Plug-and-Play EM-1

Sound Module coming in 2011!

Item No. 44951 • Standard Pack: 6

MSRP: $119.00

Shipping October 2011

Looks like B'man and Sndtrx have something new up their sleeve at least for the new 2-8-8-4. Very interesting.

 

I saw that also but still does not tell you the exact specs.

I think Bachmann will just go with the stripped down version like they are doing right now. It would make sense as the documents are already on line. The present Tsunami decoders for the steamers just plug into the Bachmann PC board. Mine came with the capacitors and I cut them out as soon as I got the loco so never did see if there were still any slow running issues. Mine had FIVE capacitors. Only two where for the motor as I did a continuity check with my ohm meter. I posted the photos of the new 4-6-0 with Tsunami here some time ago.

I have the Tsunami on board with a 4-6-0 and the Tsunami I installed myself with documents for both. I don't count all the rivets so it has never been an issue running them together.

I remember some rants here and a few other forums when some rivet counters assumed all the same specs as the Tsunami you install yourself. That issue has pretty well died but I suspect it will come back to life when the locos hit the street.

Curious to see what style decoder Bachmann will use for the diesels.

Rich

[Hergy]

Rich, I'm not really a Bachman fan, but I did notice in Bachman's literature the following:

16-Bit Tsunami

Companion Plug-and-Play EM-1

Sound Module coming in 2011!

Item No. 44951 • Standard Pack: 6

MSRP: $119.00

Shipping October 2011

Looks like Bachman and Soundtraxx have developed some new type of decoder, at least for their Spectrum line. Very interesting. Also, a 2-6-0 for those complaining about the scarcity of small locos.

[Hamltnblue]

The capacitors are actually in place to satisify a european emissions standard. They aren't needed for normal operation and recommended removed for DCC.

[Graffen]

I don´t care if they are basic version sound decoders from Soundtraxx, the price is astonishing!!

I just hope they have solved the circuit board flaw, and removed the capacitors and things that makes DCC running erratic!

Good job so far, Bachmann!

 

[richg1998]

As an example, the new HO 2-6-0.

ALCO 2-6-0 LOCOMOTIVE
 $175.00 each

affordable Soundtraxx® sound package with
authentic prototypical chuff, short and long whistles, bell, and blow down.

Compare to 4-4-0 and that price is Bachmann's price.

ALCO FA2 LOCOMOTIVE
$165.00 each

Dual flywheel.

DCC sound-equipped Alco FA2 includes
our affordable Soundtraxx® diesel sound package with prime mover–specific sound and prototypical short and long horns.

A and B sold separately.

I would also suspect all SoundTraxx sound decoders. No idea about non sound decoders though. I would assume they have learned their lesson about the low end Lenz.

I would like to assume they will have the new SoundTraxx non sound decoders that are easier to consist with the sound decoders.

Rich

[Hamltnblue]

I think that adding Soundtraxx was too much of a home run to switch off.  It would be a big mistake IMO for them to try to switch unless it was with QSI or similar.

[richg1998]

2011 NMRA New Product Announcements. Rather not post the link.

I see affordable Soundtraxx® sound package with
authentic prototypical chuff, short and long whistles, bell, and blow down.

For diesels, affordable Soundtraxx® diesel sound package with prime
mover–specific sound and prototypical short and long horns.

No mention of Tsunami or I missed it and we know the factory equipped with Tsunami do not please everyone. No doubt cost cutting by Bachmann to please a certain market.

I doubt SoundTraxx would tell us anything at this point.

I all see "DCC sound-equipped models".
I know this is an early announcement.

Anyone wanting these new loco should check for features before buying if you count a lot of the rivets. There are some who do not like the present Spectrum's with Tsunami because the Bachmann Tsunami have less features than the ones you buy yourself.

Sad thing is there are some who will not check first and assume.

Rich