PROTO 2000 Alco RS-27s ... Num DCC speed steps?

[JWBDolphins]

I've searched the web and this forum and can't find the answer to this.  I'm looking to buy an HO DCC Diesel with Sound.  Price is really the limiting factor - something in the $150 range is where I'd like to stay.  The Proto 2000 Alco RS-27s look like they would work and are currently on sale.  One of these look like they would work (I don't really have any road name requirements):  http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/920-31334

What I can't locate is how many speed steps the DCC decoder has?  I'm assuming 128, but want to make sure its more than 28.

It looks like these are being discontinued? (why the drop in price)? which I'm guessing means this has been out for awhile?  What are your opinions on these locos?  Good runners?  Have problems and I should avoid them?  Sounds are reasonable (for an HO loco)?  Does this look like a reasonable loco to buy given my limited criteria above?, or are there better choices out there than this in the same price range?  Any advice/opinions are welcome.

Finally, it looks like for around $30 I can buy an aftermarket replacement chip that adds more sound and possibly upgrades the DCC functionality?  Any details or opinions of this?

Those are a lot of questions I know - THANKS for any advice...

 

[locoi1sa]

Hi JWB
That seems to be a decent buy. The P2K uses the QSI decoders. They do have 28/128 speed steps. As far as chips go. They are QSI products and replacement chips come from QSI.
When you get your loco and set it up the way you like you may not have to replace the chip.
Pete

[dadret]

I've got a couple of Proto 2000 steam locos and have been very happy with them.  They use QSI which is an excellent sound system and the one you refer to is a good price.  You might look at the Broadway Limited outlet website and/or Factory Direct Trains - they both have good prices.

[retsignalmtr]

i've got two of the rs27's in cr livery. they look good and run good too. the only thing i had to do after programming the loco address was to adjust cv2 so both locos just start to move when the throttle is cracked open. they run well mu'ed together and with my atlas c420. the sound does get annoying after a while and i have to mute them.

[cacole]

Every major brand of decoder on the market for the past 5 years or so support 28/128 speed steps.  Only some of the very first Atlas, MRC, and other brands supported only 14 speed steps.

[JWBDolphins]

The reason I ask is last February I bought 2 Bachmann DCC Diesel locos from their Standard line, and the decoders that came with each only support 28 speeds (which wasn't and still isn't listed on their website).  Don't get me wrong, I like them, but just wanted to be sure of what I was buying this time.

THANKS to everyone!

 

[jrbernier]

  IIRC, those Bachmann DCC engines in their standard line has a special  low-end decoder made by Lenz for them.  The 'Spectrum' line of DCC/Sound steamers had a Soundtraxx 'LC' decoder.  The current Spectrum DCC/Sound steamers has a special version of the Soundtraxx Tsmnami decoder.

  The P2K engines us the QSI sound decoders.  I  think the RS27 has the current 'upgrade' chip in already, as there appears to be no 'upgrade' available on Tony's site....

Jim Bernier

[JWBDolphins]

Thanks Jim!  I made the mistake of buying one of the Bachmann Spectrum DCC/Sound Steamers a couple months ago....because now all my other locos sound so...Quiet!    I really enjoy that steamie which is what lead me to this posting, I want to add a diesel with sound to the collection too (ordered it tonight in fact).  Then if I ever find that elusive free time, I'm considering adding sound to some of my other locos assuming the new diesel does for me what I think it will!