Atlas to release sound-equipped HO scale SD24 and SD26

[Anonymous]

Scheduled for September 2004. Take a look at MR's News & Products for all the details.
http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/005/129grwqa.asp

[AntonioFP45]

Pleasant news. Sound is here to stay and it will continue to grow in popularity. The $229 [:0] price is a little "stiff" though. I still believe that this will come down in time as competition sets in.[;)]

That High-Nosed Southern SD24 looks sharp! It's likely that these are the same models that Atlas released just a few years back with the crisp detailing. The SD-26 is a surprise though! Good to see an uncommon unit released. Common sense though says that for a little extra effort and minimal costs, Atlas modified the SD24 into a 26. Still, well done! [:D][:)][8D][8)][C):-)][tup]

[M636C]

The SD26 was still operating over Cajon Pass during my first vist there in 1977. I took advantage of the elevated view at Summit for some roof views, so I'll be keen to check the Atlas model when it appears!

Peter

[AntonioFP45]

Hey Peter and crew,

Do you know what the differences are between the prototype SD24 and SD26? I'm assuming that the 26 is an upgrade of the 24.

Thanks, Amigo!

[darth9x9]

Let's all hope that the Atlas units sound better than the BLI units! There needs to be more competition to force manufactures to "get it right."

[AntonioFP45]

Hello Darth9x9,

If I may ask, what's wrong with the BLI units' sound? I've heard the BLI NYC Husdson steamer and an E7. Sounds were sharp and quite loud! I was glad when Kevin, from Happy Hobo Trains, stated that the volume is adjustable. If these Atlas units are sound equipped from QSI, then you're pretty much going to hear the same quality levels as the BLI units.

If you're referring to the low end sounds, you have to consider the limitations of small speakers. Small speakers even within a well built baffle, can only move a small amount of air so "low" sounds such as diesel engine exhaust are not going to be as dynamic as the horns, bells, brake squeals, or air pop off.

I had the same concerns when I first heard sound on the BLIs, but considering that for years many modelers' sound sources were Athearn and Model Power "growls", BLI's and Soundtraxx's offerings are refreshing!

[M636C]

AntonioFP45,

The major visible change was the fitting of a centralised air intake in a raised section of hood between the cab and the engine compartment and dynamic brakes, which remained in their original position. This displaced the air reservoirs, which had been on the hood top behind the cab to beside the dynamic and radiator fans. The 567D3 engine was rebuilt with 645 power assemblies, raising the power to 2625 HP. None of the references say this, but the D32 generator must have been replaced by an AR10 alternator. Apparently Dash-2 electrical equipment was fitted and an air conditioner mounted on the cab roof.

That's about it!

Peter

[AntonioFP45]

Thanks Peter,

Looks like they took the SD24 and made it more efficient while at the same time giving it bigger biceps to flex.

[C):-)][tup]

[darth9x9]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Hello Darth9x9,

If I may ask, what's wrong with the BLI units' sound? I've heard the BLI NYC Husdson steamer and an E7. Sounds were sharp and quite loud! I was glad when Kevin, from Happy Hobo Trains, stated that the volume is adjustable. If these Atlas units are sound equipped from QSI, then you're pretty much going to hear the same quality levels as the BLI units.

If you're referring to the low end sounds, you have to consider the limitations of small speakers. Small speakers even within a well built baffle, can only move a small amount of air so "low" sounds such as diesel engine exhaust are not going to be as dynamic as the horns, bells, brake squeals, or air pop off.

I had the same concerns when I first heard sound on the BLIs, but considering that for years many modelers' sound sources were Athearn and Model Power "growls", BLI's and Soundtraxx's offerings are refreshing!

I have listened to every model except the GG1 on Howard Zane's layout as he manages to get one (or more!) as they come out. I was impressed at first with BLI but the more I hear them, the sound just isn't right for most of the steamers. I think Soundtrax does a much better job even though you have to install them yourself. I understand completely about not being able to produce the low frequency sounds out of small speakers but that is not the problem. If you listen carefully, you can hear the sound loop and pick up on the imperfections in the sound of the BLIs. I am hoping that more competition will force the manufacturers to spend more time on their product. I feel that BLI is offering us 1970s TYCO quality right now. They will only improve when there is competition and then they will want you to buy the new and improved sound locomotives. Time will tell.

[AntonioFP45]

Darth9x9 [#ditto][tup]

I understand now what you mean. I'm very anxious to get my units installed with Soundtraxx decoders (mainly Tsunami-due July). I became hooked a year or so ago when I went to Soundtraxx's website and listened to the sample sounds.

A good friend of mine, who is an electronics/computer expert, is going to teach me how to install sound systems in my HO units. While my paint, body, decal, and metal working skills are "decent"; I'm seriously deficient in "hands on electronics" even though I understand the basic theory.[8)]

Funny, while we're on the subject of BLI, I've written Broadway several times on something that might seem trivial. I pointed out that on some of the locomotive models that they've released or about to release, the horn sounds are wrong. On the prototype E7sthe New York Central, UP, and Southern Pacific units originally had "honk" horns ( same horn as on the GGI).

Re: The SD40-2s BLI is producing, CSX tends to use the K5LA horn instead of the horn listed on the "sound byte" sample which is actually used by the UP and other western roads. I suggested in my e-mail to BLI that since they had access to the horn sounds through QSI, that they consider putting the correct horn sound according to the roadname. But in thinking about it, their mentality isprobably the "one horn" fits the specific model, regardless of road name. Hence, the advantage that Sountraxx offers!

[darth9x9]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Darth9x9 [#ditto][tup]

I suggested in my e-mail to BLI that since they had access to the horn sounds through QSI, that they consider putting the correct horn sound according to the roadname. But in thinking about it, their mentality isprobably the "one horn" fits the specific model, regardless of road name. Hence, the advantage that Sountraxx offers!

Hey AntonioFP45[^],

Having the correct horn sound for the correct loco would be soooooooooooo easy to do (a friend of mine is a sound engineer at MTH). Sure it would mean having a bigger inventory of sound chips but in the long run the consumer would love it (then BLI would have more customers!). So now it is a matter of compromise: settle for the incorrect horn vs installing a Soundtrax yourself.

I hope you are able to practice/learn to install sound decoders. It isn't that bad once you do a couple.