Recommendations for sound ?

[Anonymous]

You could move closer to the tracks (and have the authentic sounds of real trains)!!![:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]

Seriously, though you may want to consider a sound equipped, DC capable locomotive. I recently purchased a Lionel Challenger (HO scale), and the sound from it is great. There are other systems that sound great, too. If this is within your budget, check into it.

[Anonymous]

Ram Track makes seperate modules that you can install in different places very good sound.The MRC sound station I used for a good while before converting my roster to all sound equipped locos.For the price I found them to be a very good buy ,the clickty clack on the 312 sounds very good when blended in with sound equipped locos. I believe they have other sound stations just for city or country sounds although I found their decoders lacking most all of their other products seem to be very good as far as quality for the price.Terry

[willy6]

Try www.ittsound.com, great backround noise.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainwreck100

Broadway Limited's QSI system is supposed o work nearly equally well with DC

The QSI® works very well on DC and DCC. Atlas and BLI each recently released a controller box for use with DC that allows access to most (all?) of the functions on RECENT QSI® decoders formerly available to DCC users only. P2K and the recent Lionel HO locomotives also use QSI® systems.

My Atlas VGN TM's are incredible, even without the new controller, just on the DC test track. MY BLI N&W class A 2-6-6-4 also work well on DC.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45
No offense to Nfmisso, but I've heard an MRC diesel decoder before. Other than the bell, the sound to me resembled static noise.

I was not referring to the MRC decoder, but to the system that looks like a pair of computer speakers with a control box.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainwreck100
Soundtraxx has a Surroundtraxx system that will put sound all aroud your layout. Check soundtraxx's website to see all of their systems.

I only wi***hat Soundtraxx would actually release this system - they have been advertising it for 12months, with no sign of the product! I guess they have been hanging fire due to the delay with the Tsunami decoders, and that probably all boils down to the MTH law suit and patent application.

My local Digitrax & Soundtraxx dealer heard a demo of the prototype of Surroundtraxx nearly 2 years ago. He said the prototype was fantastic.

[Don Gibson]

SOUND:How Good? (or expensive?)

DC
Throttle Up - Sophisticated I.R./ wireless throttles with dial-in adjustable steam sounds.(approx.$400)
Throttle Up - Sophisticated I.R./ wireless throttles with individual GE,EMD,FM,Bldwn, Gas Elec., diesel sounds (approx. $400)
NOTE Throttle Up is a div. of Soundtraxx and currently not in production.
MRC (Stationary) Sound Generator & speakers $(100)

Broadway Ltd, Engines with QSI dual DC / DCC modules.($200 - $500)

DCC only
Soundtraxx combiation DCC/ Lighting effects /Sound Modules for istalltion in your engine. ($100 - $200) plus speaker. Prices are MRSP.

Considering your current 'needs' and what's available, I would recommend going with Broadway Limited Imports products. They'll work with what you have now, give you sound and selection, and will still work on DCC should you decide to go that route.

[mondotrains]

Hey Bobchuck,
I agree with the guys who recommended the MRC sound system. It is great for when kids come over to see the layout or for that matter, any friends that have come by. I like the idea Chuck gave to have 2 of these units.....I never thought about that. I'll have to buy another and considering they're only $50.00, the investment is minimal.

Happy railroading.
Mondo

[Anonymous]

If you have any young kids or grandchildren make them go down to the layout with you. Make them go "choo choo" and boom there is your sound. Just an idea

[cwclark]

I use two of the MRC sound systems..they cost about $40-$50 U.S. dollars and fits my needs ..why i have two is because of the way they put out sound..I have to turn off one sound and then start another creating a moment of no sound at all...with two of them, i can have a sound (like the clicking of a train as it goes down the tracks) constantly sounding in the backgound and the other one for the sound of the brakes being applied or an engine's bell ringing without breaking a moment of "dead air time " like it would with just one MRC sound system...chuck

[Anonymous]

I do believe broadway Limited is coming out with a new sound controller for its locomotives to allow you more control over those sounds when running them on DCC. No idea when it will be out though. As yet though they only offer the controller for the bell and horn.

[Anonymous]

Bob,

I am fairly new back into this hobby after a number of years. I still use DC for my layout, and I have too many good running Locos to consider a switch to DCC, but I see that coming pretty soon.

I just got over the weekend a Proto 2000 GP-9 with the QSI Sound. This unit is DC and DCC capable. It works really well on my layout, has a few things that I have to get used to, to really run it through it's paces, but well worth it.

A number of vendors here can get you these. I went with Tony's Train Exchange, and could not be happier with their service and Support. They also have a very nice website with many PDF files on various subjects and a very good "DCC for Beginners" handbook that answers a lot of questions.

See if any of your LHS have a test track and are will to pull out a BLI Steam LOCO or any of the QSI Diesels for a test. I think you will be impressed.

Chris

[AntonioFP45]

Bob,

Background Sounds: Green Frog produces some excellent tapes featuring various background sounds (rural, industrial, big city, thunderstorm, etc). I plan on getting two of their tapes. Go to www.greenfrog.com

Locomotive Sounds: I know that you're a DC modeler, but consider trying out DCC. I was a naysayer until I saw a demo. One bit of good news, though, if you wi***o stay in DC is that the new Soundtraxx Tsunami decoder can be operated in DC. It's not on the market yet but is supposed to be before the summer. The sounds from Soundtraxx decoders are very realistic and you have a nice choice of steamers and diesel sounds.

Just check www.soundtraxx.com Click on the purple "Soundtraxx DCC" Box. After that page opens, click on "Sound Samples"(you'll need some type of media player on your computer). If you've never heard them before, I think you'll be quite impressed.

No offense to Nfmisso, but I've heard an MRC diesel decoder before. Other than the bell, the sound to me resembled static noise.

Hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

Broadway Limited's QSI system is supposed o work nearly equally well with DC as it does with DCC, haven't used it in DC, just going by the box... You can have control of the whistle and bell functions with a little controller you put inline with your track feed. If you don't need the sound to actually be IN the locomotives, Soundtraxx has a Surroundtraxx system that will put sound all aroud your layout. Check soundtraxx's website to see all of their systems.

Hope this helps,
Greg

[nfmisso]

MRC has an inexpensive system that may suit your desires, until you here a QSI® or SoundTraxx equipped locomotive.

[Anonymous]

I want some realistic sound for my HO layout. It doesn't have to be anything intricate that sychronizes the sound with the movement of the rolling stock. All I want is some realistic locomotive sound (preferably both steam and diesel) and some background railroad noise. Any suggestions? I do not have DCC.
Thanks for listening.