Hi everyone,
I have a Bachmann 2-6-0 that I am quite happy with, and I've got my eye on a sharp looking Bachmann 4-4-0. Both come with onboard DCC and sound. In the product descriptions the Soundtraxx is described in the exact same way: "Sound Value SoundTraxx steam sound package with authentic prototypical chuff, short and long whistles, bell, air pump, steam release and blower–all in 16-bit polyphonic sound".
Does this mean that they're both going to produce the all same sounds, or will they have unique chuffs and whistles etc?
Thanks!
My guess would be that they produce pretty much the same sounds. The Sound Value" package from Soundtraxx is an OEM version of the Tsunami with a more limited selection of options than a full-on Tsunami would have. If you're happy with the first, you'll likely find the second one very much the same.
Soundtraxx came out with the Tsunami II last year. I'm not sure if the Sound Value units are based on it or not or are still produced on the same older Tsunami line as before. If there are changes because of that, they'll likely be improvements. What matters is the form-factor, as each line is an automated process that works with a certain physical board size. Based on that, different "goodies" are built on the board, depending on whether it will be a Tsunami II, an Econami, or a Sound Value version.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
The SoundTraxx OEM Bachmann Sound Value decoder is a different family of decoders than the SoundTraxx OEM Bachmann Tsunami decoder. Sound Value famliy of decoders are not a Tsunami, Tsunami2 or Econami decoder, different technology and features set.
The Sound Value 4-4-0 has good sound and chuff will be similar to the Sound Value 2-6-0 as both are light steam. Whistle selection is different.
The 4-4-0 and the 2-6-0 have some discrepancies between the factory installed decoder and the Configuration Variable Defaults documentation found on the Bachmann page of the SoundTraxx website. Perhaps the misprints will be corrected with next documentation update.
Best to test run the 4-4-0 before purchase as some run with a very noticeable waddle. If you cannot test before purchase then factor in the cost of a possible need to return for replacement in your decision.
RR Baron
These forums are good but I would suggest joining the Bachmann forums with company reps and many users of Bachmann products.
Go to the source.
Loads of good info in replacement, repair, loco diagrams, parts, DCC info, etc.
Below is a link to the HO forum though administrators do move the discussion to the proper forum for those who miss the appropriate forum.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/board,2.0.html
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.
Sound Value have a few less sound features and CV's than standard SoundTraxx decoders you install yourself. If you don't count all the rivets, those might be suitable for you.
Some rivet counters pull them and install the standard ones or even switch to LokSound.
You can see the difference if you compare the CV list but that can be a pain to do. SoundTraxx has all the list at their site.
I believe Athearn on board sound does that also.
The "Sound Value" engines come with only one chuff or one diesel 'rumble' sound, I believe the only option is each come with a choice of three whistles or horns. IIRC the Bachmann 2-10-0 I bought 5-6 years ago came with a Soundtraxx decoder with more options, but less than a Tsunami...similar to the current "Economi" line.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/images/Sound-Value-Decoder-Quick-Start-Guide.pdf