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!

Need recommendations for a DCC steam locomotive w/sound

2056 views
5 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Knoxville, TN
  • 2,055 posts
Posted by farrellaa on Sunday, June 10, 2012 10:46 PM

I  have 2 BLI Hudson's w/sound and a couple of Bachmann Spectrum steam engines with factory sound as well. The BLI locos have great sound systems but the Bachmann locos with the new Sountraxx systems are quite good as well and a little cheaper. I would highly recommend either one and prefer factory equipped sound vs aftermarket. FYI: the Bachmann K4 is available with sound. I have one without sound and can recommend the loco.

   -Bob

Life is what happens while you are making other plans!

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Sunday, June 10, 2012 8:33 PM

There are no sound chips, only sound decoders with chips, IC's on the decoder board.

Go look at the SoundTraxx site. The show sound decoders. No sound chips that I am aware of. lol.

They show recommended sound decoders for different locos, including the Bachmann 4-6-2. This all depends on your DCC experience. Don't expect, Plug and Play for many. This has been asked in the Bachmann forums.

MRC has a bad reep for decoders. Not sure if that has changed yet.

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 2011
  • 72 posts
Posted by NSDash09 on Sunday, June 10, 2012 8:21 PM

There should be bachmann spectrum K4's with tsunami decoders.

Moderator
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Northeast OH
  • 17,249 posts
Posted by tstage on Sunday, June 10, 2012 8:14 PM

The BLI NYC 4-6-4 Hudsons are very nice and they do come with sound.  The older versions (Paragon) have the QSI decoders in them.  The newer versions (Paragon2) have BLI's proprietary decoder.  For switchers, the Walthers Proto 2000 0-6-0s are quite nice, too.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 602 posts
Posted by NP01 on Sunday, June 10, 2012 5:25 PM

I was also looking for an appropriate length Steamer with sound. I found HO Bachmann Spectrum 4-6-0 with Tsunami for $200(new) at my LHS and picked it up. I really like it- except for a slight detailing tendency on the front trucks it runs and sounds great. 

I have 24" mainline and 22" radius branch line and this loco works fine with no problems. 

Neeraj

  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 11 posts
Need recommendations for a DCC steam locomotive w/sound
Posted by wveeser on Saturday, June 9, 2012 4:32 PM

 

I am looking for recommendations for a steam locomotive w/sound.  I like the size of the
Mantua 4-6-2 PACIFIC WITH LONG HAUL TENDER & Factory installed DCC & Sound.  It has the MRC sound chip.  I have read some negative comments about Mantuas 4-6-2 and even more negatives about the MRC sound chip.  I would welcome some recommendations for a steam loco about the size if the 4-6-2 pacific.

 do like the looks of the Bachmann Spectrum K4 4-6-2 Post War Penn #3750 HO but it doesn't have sound.

I do not like the looks of the 4-6-4 Empire State Steam Engine with Proto Sound 3, New York Central . I like 6 main wheels, and nothing much larger.  

So within those parameters, any engines that i have missed.  Is there a good sound chip for the Bachmann Spectrum k4 4-6-2?

Thanks WRV

 

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!