gunfighterzeroalso ended up with 3 kato sd-38s,... same question
If you want to go cheap on the Kato's, Digitrax makes a drop-in sound decoder specifically for that loco.
No, it's not as good as the Tsunami or the LokSound, but it's half the price and can be reliably programmed without the use of a programming booster.
I like Loksound Select. They are a breeze to tune.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
thanks guys i was looking at the LOKsound, they seem have have good reviews all the way around... i got some stewart/bowsers in this deal too i was thinking TCS non sound for them for sure, i wish they came with a harness
Factory it would have had a QSI. I prefer Loksound, sounds as good if not better than Tsunami (especially the horns) and great motor control. I use TCS for all my non-sound installs. Their new sound is steam only for now, but Wow is a good name for it, way advanced over anyone else's (for the moment).
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I favor Soundtraxx Tsunami decoders for sound. I also favor TCS decoders, although I haven't tried their new sound decoders. Both web sites have a chart for what decoders to use for what locos. TCS also has some photos of how to install them.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
I picked up a nice pile of used locos on ebay, and i got a BLI paragon sd40-2, DCC ready. I was wondering what they used for factory decoders and what decoder would be best for DCC/sound, ......opinionsalso ended up with 3 kato sd-38s,... same questionthanks train guys .