Multiple Locomotives with sound on one layout.

[BRVRR]

I am now up to ten sound equipped locomotives on the BRVRR. Two BLIs, a heavy Mike and a Hudson. Most of the rest have Soundtraxx LC decoders, but I do have one DSX for ALCOs and a couple of MRCs, steam and diesel. I also have steam and diesel Soundtraxx decoders installed under the table to give my non-sound equipped locos a voice. I seldom run more than three trains at a time on the 4' x 10' BRVRR, but right after Christmas, my grandson and I had four steam locomotives with sound on the mainlines at the same time. With the sound turned down to reasonable levels and scale speeds, the sound is not overpowering. [:D]

Here's a link to the photo from my website:

http://intergate.com/~acoates149/images/SNPF/FourEnginesC.jpg

My Zephyr has never even hiccuped power wise. I have several AB and ABA loco sets, usually one loco with sound and the rest of the units powered. Up to 7-powered units at a time and no power problems.[:D]

Check out my updated website. Many new photos of new and remodeled equipment and layout scenes. Link is below or in my signature.

http://intergate.com/~acoates149

I like sound, but I do use F8 or F0 (MRC) when I'm alone sometimes.[:I]

Incidentally, the Soundtraxx DSD100LC decoder (motor and sound) is available for about $36.00. I purchased several after Christmas at that price. With a good speaker and enclosure, you can add sound to a loco for about $45.00.[tup]

[simon1966]

Well TZ, since I started this thread 2 years ago it documents fairly well my life so far with DCC and sound. When I opened the thread I had one BLI steamer and was still running DC. My Digitrax Zephyr now has a booster, extra throttles and a PC interface for using the JMRI software, essential IMO if you want to run sound and get it to the way you want. My roster includes 2 BLI Diesels, 2 BLI Steamers, 1 Soundtraxx Diesel and 2 Soundtraxx steamers. All have their volumes well down as life with sound at full volume soon becomes a headache. My oldest boy still tends to turn off the sound and prefers to run silent. But, I really like sound. I like the extra realism. I like being able to use the bell and whislte in prototypical ways. I am looking forward to expanding with some of the new sound decoder offerings like the Tsunami, Digitrax and Locsound. My roster of locos is about where I want it to be, so I don't see myself buying many more locos, but any I do will either have sound installed or will have the option to install it. For example, I really wanted a Wabash Atlas Trainmaster Gold. I was never able to get one, so have the Silver version and plan on adding a sound decoder.