mobilman44BTW, I find it interesting that the major steam loco manufacturers were just not all that successful in diesel production (i.e. Baldwin, Alco, et al).
Hi,
The Alco diesels were sometimes referred to as "honorary steamer", for the smoke they emitted and the loader than usual sounds. They are unique, and the sound decoder sould reflect that.
BTW, I find it interesting that the major steam loco manufacturers were just not all that successful in diesel production (i.e. Baldwin, Alco, et al).
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Thanks, Randy, that is the info that I was looking for.
Rich
Alton Junction
Best Alco sound these days is Loksound. Best you cna get is a 244-12, since there are no more running PA's with the original 244-16, there's no way to get an accurate recording of it. The running ones have been updated with 251-12's. The select series witht he 244 sounds will have a turbocharged 244-12, and just about every horn ever used. Great Alco chug chug at idle.
--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 believe you would have to base your Decoder purchase on who makes the best sound reproduction on the particular prime mover engine that was built for that loco. For instance a PA had a 16 cylinder engine in it some bad some good.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALCO_PA
Take Care!
Frank
BTW: I just listened to three Youtube videos of PA's with decoders from MRC, QSI and Digitrax and like the Digitrax, better, but you may not like it. Has to do with the horns.
I have the same question (we both have Proto Pb units) as Rich, and would like to add......
The PB is a large unit and has plenty of room without a motor/running gear. As there is the room, I feel two speakers would be best - but would like your take on that.
Well, which one is it?
Which sound deecoder produces the most realistic Alco PA sound, especially if it is a Santa Fe loco?