There aren't too many N Scale switchers with DCC and sound. It's easy to understand why with the space limitation but I still want to try adding sound to a small N scale switcher. Can anyone recommend a small switcher to try this with? I plan to use an Econami 100 decoder with the smallest sugar cube speaker. Thanks for your help
Atlas currently makes an S4 switcher with sound. Try that out. Bachmann also makes an S4 in N scale, and kato does an NW2. Try those out. However, even the Econami is too small for those switchers. You'd have to get an ESU LokSound Select Micro for those, and even then I doubt it would fit.
As David mentioned, you lose electrical conductivity when you take space away from the metal chassis. You however can get over that my adding a keep alive circuit. However, they take up space too, and in a switcher, it would be extremely difficult to find space with the decoder, speaker, and keep alive circuit. Only way around it is if you put the keep alive circuit in a boxcar or something behind the locomotive.
Get an Atlas S4 first and see if that satisfies you.
http://mrr.trains.com/videos/user-videos/2015/11/video-soundtraxx-econami-dcc-decoder-in-an-arnold-n-scale-sw1-switcher
Check out this video. Contact the poster for info on how it was done. Joe
That's the one we want to see with the shell on - because the way those wires are sticking up, the hood won't fit.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Hence 'we' - I was referring to the original thread where that video was shown, you, me, and others all sadi the same thing - no way will the hood fit. I'm sure it can be made to fit, perhaps with an even smaller decoder. But it won;t pull much unless the body shell is made of lead. Using traction tires or Bullfrog Snot will just make it run like an early 70's Bachmann N scale loco and you will become very familiar with table thumping. I can't imagine such a tiny loco is a great runner stock on DC power - granted my last N scale experience predates those wonderful Atlas/Kato locos and probably the best of my lot was an Atlas Plymouth 6 wheel switcher. The Bachmann FP9 in the fantasy yellow and green Reading scheme ran ok most of the time. Even with a die cast chassis that SW has to be a real featherweight, especially if there in any open space under the shell. Hmm, square super cap to replace the fuel tank to add keep alive?
It's not exactly what you are asking for but there is a sound system to go under your layout. If I understand correctly, sounds quite good. I think there was a review on it, but I can't remember where. Speakers attached under or on the surface of the layout and some sort of sensor had the sound follow the loco. It was designed with small scales in mind to solve problems of small locos.
Hopefully this will jog someones mind and they will post it for you.
Good luck,
Richard
You could start by buying a Atlas N scale S2 with sound. I did some Google searching for n scale diesel with sound. I am sure at this scale, one ready to run would be a good start. Give it a try.
A little less than $200.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Hi,
I believe the Atlas S2 would be a really good choice because it has a cast metal body ( hood and chassis ) that gives it the weight needed for traction and with the sound option it is truly ready to roll. From what I have seen it has got really good reviews.
Ralph
How about sound in a VO1000?
http://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=31637.0
J D Colombo does some amazing things with N Scale sound decoders.
Wow, that actually sounds pretty good - knew it was a Loksound before I scrolled down. Almost seems louder than my HO Bowser one. VO1000's are pretty big (relatively) plus I think the Loksound Micro is still smaller than the Economi-100.
All that plus that chunk of lead he was able to squeeze in there - should actually be HEAVIER despite milling off a bit of the frame at the front.
Atlas S2 w/sound from TrainWorld. Joe
http://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/atlas/atlas-n-scale/atlas-atlas-diesels-1/atlas-atlas-s-2-1/