So I am looking at my Bachmann Fa set I am getting read to go in to club paint. Well they are a sound value an if anyone of you have had them you know the problems. They dont run slow, they sound ok, but do not idle up right before moving. I was looking at doing a new Soundtraxx chip in hope of getting moving controle better, but what was wondering what I could put in there?
First off seeing as bigger is always better would a 251B V16 fit in the little Fa? Becouse who would not want a 2400Hp little Fa!
Or the second road is the 251C V12. Lets face is 2000Hp is better then the 2000 the FPA-4 got.
Thoughts?
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
jrbernierThat Bachmann unit has a SoundTraxx Tsunami in right now. It is customized for Bachmann, but I doubt you see better motor control with an 'off the shelf' Tsunami decoder. The MLW FPA4 did get the V12-251 powerplant, but I doubt they could jam a V16 version in the carbody... Jim
Thanks for the reply Jim.
I am sorry I miss typed! The 251B the Fpa-4 got was 1800hp*, and the 251C was 2000hp.
I had the understanding the "soundvalue" was just that. It was the low line basic it makes sound/make it move chip. When the locomotive is $130, and the single chip is $120... for what I am getting out of the chip I feel some corners got cut with the programing.
Although if I wanted a good Fa I guess I could just go grab a ABA set of rabido Fpa-4's. But those are a bit expensive for a club repaint.
You could try a manufacturer with better motor control. TCS has a Alco 251 sound as well and from what I've seen excellent motor control.
Looks like Loksound has an Alco 251B prime mover sound file and would definitely be another (and better) option than the Tsunami. You can even hear a sound sample of it from the above link.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I'd try to get the engine to run better before changing anything. What have you set CV 2,3,4, 66 and 95 to?
p.s. they're 'decoders' not 'chips'.
Well, just a shot in the dark to start out, maybe CV 2 = 0, CV 3 and 4 = 25, CV 66 and 95 = 90 and see what happens.
MAybe a higher quality speaker would be in order?
Jay
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wjstix I'd try to get the engine to run better before changing anything. What have you set CV 2,3,4, 66 and 95 to? p.s. they're 'decoders' not 'chips'.
I agree. Set the above CVs.. My S4 will crawl from tie to tie and will 'kiss' couple. I set various CVs for switching.
The Bachmann Tsunami has all CV settings.
Here's the CVs list for the FA.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/factory/OEM%20pages/bachmann/ho_fa2_sv.pdf
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
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Sorry I have been missing! But while I was I bit the bullet and got a digitrax zephyr for the house.
First off it turns out I had a bad axle on one of the Fa units. Got a new one, and its running much better.
Second when running on my small layout with the zephyr (nothing more then a 10x3 switching layout) The Fa's are running worlds smoother.
So this has me thinking that the club layout maybe to much? We have not invested in a big digitrax set up, and are also running it with a zephyr. I also noted that last time the club ran when the head light on one A uint is on it runns lower then the one with out. Could getting a booster help this, and the real problem is to much track for the out put of the pack?