I finally installed the Tsunami TSU-1000 1 amp DCC sound decoder into my son's older K4 4-6-2 Pacific from Bachmann. I had to isolate the motor and run wires for the headlight and the flickering firebox flicker LED, but he LOVES it, and loved operating it around his small layout.
I got him the Bachmann EZ Command DCC system also, and it's easy enough for a five year old to operate. If I want to program anything, I can easily hook up my PowerCab and program the functions/sounds I want to. Sound definately adds another dimension for him that I did not get to enjoy until my 30s.
I may have opened Pandora's box too. :D
When I got my first sound engine, I finally discovered what I'd been missing since I sold my Lionels as a teenager. It's the whistles and horns. Chuffs and diesels spinning up are nice, but there is nothing more satisfying than approaching an intersection and letting out a blast on a steam whistle.
I know exactly how your son feels, because nothing makes me feel young again better than that.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Amazing, isn't it? I'm going to make him watch the Bachmann DVD tonight to learn how to program locos (once he gets more than one). He's very happy now.
This weekend we're going to visit an HO scale club layout and I'll bring his Pacific to see if they will let him run his Pacific on the club layout. He'll flip out over that.
gatrhumpy I may have opened Pandora's box too. :D
Yep, you may have, Jim. Even so, I'm glad your son is enjoying his "updated" K4. I bet the smile on his face when he first heard it must have been a mental picture worth framing.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Time for a bigger layout! "But honey, it's not for me...."
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Yeah. It was a genuine smile too, and he even hopped like a bunny for about two seconds. Today I took an HO gauge and measured the distances between the wheels, and the tender wheels were a little off. Hopefully it runs well on his own layout. We'll see today.
Man, he's one lucky kid - getting a DCC and sound-equipped engine. Now we have to continue the rest of the layout. :D It's not big, but it'll do.
"My son has sound "
Yup.... Most kids do.
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Don't get me started! The biggest layout I could do for him was about 4 feet by 3.5 feet, one that fits under his bed. There are two ends where he could expand if needed, plus two sidings. I plan to have a central road go through the layout, so he'll have plenty of cars and trucks there.
gatrhumpy Yeah. It was a genuine smile too, and he even hopped like a bunny for about two seconds.
Yeah. It was a genuine smile too, and he even hopped like a bunny for about two seconds.
I was the pretty much the same way when I fired up my E-Z Command and my Athearn Mike for the first time. I may have hopped around a little longer though.
Ah but if he's 5 now, soon he will need a full size bed instead of a kid bed, so that right there means a bigger layout...
Always thinking.. LOL. Or maybe it's plotting.
Well............................He already has a full size bed. Oh well. The room he's in cannot handle more than that though.
around the walls shelf layout, 18 inches wide or so with lift up / outs to span doorways!!!!
Yeah, I wish you could see the look on my wife's face if I told her that. :D
Hi D,
What d'you mean? She still ain't the boss yet. I duck for cover every time the mail van stops at the door.
Be in touch.
pick.