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Seeking sound decoder and speaker installer referral

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  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Klamath Falls, Oregon
  • 274 posts
Seeking sound decoder and speaker installer referral
Posted by oregon shay on Saturday, November 16, 2013 5:53 PM

I have two Bachmann Spectrum locos with non-sound decoders installed in them, a 3 truck Climax, and an 80 ton 3 truck Shay.  I would like to upgrade them to sound decoders and speakers, but I have no desire to perform this work myself due to the small dimensions of the bunkers and tenders, and a previous install I did on another Shay.  I am looking for a recommendation from forum members who have had someone do this kind of work for them.  I already know of several companies like Tony's Train Exchange and Litchfield Station that do this work, but I would like to receive personal experience feedback only.  Thanks in advance.

Wilton.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Sunday, November 17, 2013 10:57 AM

My LHS, Maine Trains in Chelmsford, MA, did a sound install in a Proto S1 switcher in HO.  I'm  very happy with the work, it sounds great an has given me no problems after several years of running.  The price was very reasonable, too.

However, it did take him a very long time to get the work done.  Another forum member had the same experience.

If you're patient and don't need to get them back right away, though, I would recommend their work.

www.mainetrains.com

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

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Mount Vernon WA
  • 968 posts
Posted by skagitrailbird on Sunday, November 17, 2013 11:15 AM

Wilton,

I know you already mentioned Litchfield Station but since I have personal experience with them I'll chime in.  The experience was excellent.  They had quite a backlog at the time so promised to call me shortly before they did the work.  The call came, I sent the locomotive, and it came back quickly (I don't remember exactly how long) and the work was excellent. I have an older Rivarossi steamer that I intend to have them work on some time in the future.

In my opinion, you can't go wrong at Litchfield Station.

PS:  No connection.  Just a very satisfied customer.

Roger Johnson
  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: California
  • 2,388 posts
Posted by HO-Velo on Sunday, November 17, 2013 1:09 PM

Wilton,

I had a good experience with TVW Miniatures doing an excellent job installing DCC sound and lighting on an early HO scale Kato NW2 diesel switcher.  I've been enjoying the converted switcher for several months now and so far so good.  I discovered George Nefsead and his TVW Miniatures when reading the DCC Impulses column in Model Railroad Hobbyist online magazine.

good luck and regards,  Peter

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Klamath Falls, Oregon
  • 274 posts
Posted by oregon shay on Sunday, November 17, 2013 6:25 PM

Mr Beasley, Roger, and Peter,

Thanks for taking the opportunity to give me the benefit of your experiences.  A large number of model RR related companies enjoy good name recognition, but it is personal dealings like yours that I value regarding this topic.

Respectfully,

Wilton.

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 544 posts
Posted by Tophias on Monday, December 16, 2013 3:32 PM

Sorry I'm a little late hear, just trying to play catch-up on all these posts.  I would like to second Mr. Beasley's comments  rearding Maine Trains.  I converted to DCC about one year ago and had a repair done on an old P2K U28B w/QSI that I was using on DC, and later had 2 Atlas GP-40's converted to DCC w/Tsunamis and couldn't be happpier.  Great work, very reasonable price.  Yeah, had to get in line to have it done, but very well worth the wait.  I presently have two P2K  F3's in to also get converted to DCC (w/Tsunamis) and when they come back I bring another couple of locomtives for conversion.  Again, couldn't be happier.

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