Pacific fast mail sound brass locomotive

[bobbygreg]

I recently picked up GN 4-6-2 with sound system in the tender. My layout is old school DC only. No DCC. Sat engine on the track static type noise from the  tender, but does not move. My question is, did the sound equipped engines need the PFM control unit with the sound  and throttle  adjustment knobs to work?  As I said I'm old school, I'm considering removing the sound unit and the cam and wiring it for DC. It's a really nice looking painted loco, I would like to get it  running. Thanks

[rrebell]

Depends on the accual type you have, PFM had many types over the years but yes to hear sounds you need their equipment.

[PRR8259]

The PFM sound units to operate these are getting scarce now.

There is a facebook group dedicated to PFM Sound.  The Moderator is retired professional (model) painter Hal Maynard.

They can help you out with any and all questions relating to PFM Sound.

I do not believe the sound can operate in plain dc without having the sound module.

[BATMAN]

I picked one of these up at an estate auction. I wanted to add a decoder and sound at some point which I have never done. Sounds like more trouble than it is worth as it is already low on my priorities.

 

 

 

[Texas Zephyr]

bobbygreg

My question is, did the sound equipped engines need the PFM control unit with the sound  and throttle  adjustment knobs to work?

No, locomotives with PFM sound run on standard DC.   You only need the PFM unit if you want the sound to work.

 

As I said I'm old school, I'm considering removing the sound unit and the cam and wiring it for DC.

I don't see any reason you sould need to remove the cam.   All PFM sound units really did is run the sound through the rails to the locomotive speaker.   The sound unit is just a set of filters to prevent the DC track power from getting to the speaker, and the "sound" signal from getting to the locomotive motor and light bulbs.      If it is really PFM sound, or even PBL sound it should run fine on DC.    Should also be really easy to remove the sound components.    Always easier to take something out than to put it in.

[SeeYou190]

BATMAN

I picked one of these up at an estate auction. I wanted to add a decoder and sound at some point which I have never done. Sounds like more trouble than it is worth as it is already low on my priorities.

Send that beauty to someone that will love it and run it.

-Kevin

[BATMAN]

SeeYou190

 

 

BATMAN

I picked one of these up at an estate auction. I wanted to add a decoder and sound at some point which I have never done. Sounds like more trouble than it is worth as it is already low on my priorities.

 

 

Send that beauty to someone that will love it and run it.

-Kevin

 

I may just do that at some point, though I only paid $35.00 for it and would like to take a crack at painting it at some point. Gotta start someplace.