rrinker wrote: One thing I don;t see there - no mention s made of how to operate the sound functions in DCC. The decoder plug is a basic 8-pin socket, so it surely does not hook up the sound functions to DCC function outputs that way. Other observation: they say it's their own sound system. Well, since in DC it uses the DCMaster to operate the sounds, my guess is the Blueline sound board is made for them by ESU. --Randy
One thing I don;t see there - no mention s made of how to operate the sound functions in DCC. The decoder plug is a basic 8-pin socket, so it surely does not hook up the sound functions to DCC function outputs that way.
Other observation: they say it's their own sound system. Well, since in DC it uses the DCMaster to operate the sounds, my guess is the Blueline sound board is made for them by ESU.
--Randy
The details are not really given in the announcement, except to push the point of their being able to eliminate the costs of the sound system from "QSI". I doubt if the Loksound would be any less money, but time will tell. The exert below seems to say the sound can be triggered using a PCM affordable accessory, which might be a clue.
A: User-controlled sound effects on BlueLine locomotives can be triggered using a DCMaster Analog Control Module. Users of Precision Craft Models locomotives may already own this affordable accessory and may use their existing DCMaster for BlueLine products. Using the DCMaster, the horn/whistle, bell and another Auxiliary sound (varies by prototype) such as a 2nd horn may be activated. Other sounds are automatically triggered. Many more sounds are available for user-control when DCC is installed.
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
KlickyMobster wrote:To second on G Paine, how do these work with DCC. Do I just plug in a regular decoder when I'm ready to install DCC? Or do I need a sound decoder? This sounds like a nice system for someone in between DC and DCC like I am.
According to the pictures on the web site, you remove the standard plug and plug in the decoder and start using DCC.
G Paine wrote: The Broadway Limited site says:DC Sound-Equipped, DCC Ready.DCC users can quickly and easily install their favorite DCC decoders into the included plug 'n' play socket. This allows for both sound and operation control of the locoSo how do DCC users control the sounds with a non-sound decoder???? Seems like some explanation is missing. They seem to be pushing the DC market with this product, once I have converted to DCC, I do not want to go back.
The Broadway Limited site says:
DC Sound-Equipped, DCC Ready.DCC users can quickly and easily install their favorite DCC decoders into the included plug 'n' play socket. This allows for both sound and operation control of the loco
So how do DCC users control the sounds with a non-sound decoder???? Seems like some explanation is missing. They seem to be pushing the DC market with this product, once I have converted to DCC, I do not want to go back.
Like you, I use DCC and would not go back to DC, but the blue line seems to offer new people in the hobby a lower cost entry model into sound, and then they could add the DCC decoder when they wanted. BLI is probably aiming this at the DC operators who do not want the added cost of the DCC drive. At the same time, the Blue Line can save DCC modelers money by allowing us to install our own DCC.
The QSI models have both, but the cost is much higher.
Most of us prefer a certain brand of decoders over the other brands, and this would allow us to choose the one we want and install it in the removable plug. I have been using Zimo's in steam and NCE's in diesels for my choice. Both brands are very good, but you can purchase three or four cheaper decoders for the price of one Zimo. You will not find a better operating decoder today than the Zimo. I was having trouble getting the Zimo's until recently when Tony's Trains started stocking them again.
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
tstage wrote: Here's a write up on it that I just found on Tony's Train Exchange web site:http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/2007/011807.htmIt almost sounds like the Blueline series will be comparable in detail to the Atlas Trainman and old LL Proto 1000 locomotives.Tom
Here's a write up on it that I just found on Tony's Train Exchange web site:
http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/2007/011807.htm
It almost sounds like the Blueline series will be comparable in detail to the Atlas Trainman and old LL Proto 1000 locomotives.
Tom
Thanks for the information on Tony's page.
The old SD40-2's were 249 or so list price but did have the decoder. Depending on what decoder you purchase, that would still be a savings.
The Broadway Limited advertisement on page 18 of the February 2007 Railroad Model Craftsman gives a retail price of $169.99 for a BlueLine HO sound equipped GE AC6000.
The Broadway Limited advertisement on page 31 of the February 2007 issue of Model Railroader magazine is for a Precision Craft N&W HO Y6B 2-8-8-2 with the LokSound decoder from Germany.
That blurb on Tony's web site is basically the advertisement that is in RMC magazine.
It almost sounds like the BlueLine series will be comparable in detail to the Atlas Trainman and old LL Proto 1000 locomotives.
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Well they still have a page on the QSI system, so I suspect the BlueLine will be the only line using their new system. I guess we'll have to wait and see (or hear) how it sounds. QSI is very very good but still not perfect, could be the new system will be better, who knows??
I guess I don't mind having to put my own decoder in an engine that's coming with sound, and for me I don't mind having control over just the bell and whistle (though the "speed-is-XXX" thing is pretty neat on QSI engines) with the rest being automatic. I don't need to be able to press F24 to hear the fireman belch or something.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
cacole wrote: Yes, I saw that announcement in Railroad Model Craftsman magazine. Notice that these engines are NOT DCC equipped -- just sound equipped and DCC Ready.BLI has apparently developed their own sound system for these engines, because they do not mention QSI at all.
Yes, I saw that announcement in Railroad Model Craftsman magazine. Notice that these engines are NOT DCC equipped -- just sound equipped and DCC Ready.
BLI has apparently developed their own sound system for these engines, because they do not mention QSI at all.
The new models are less money too, but as you said, they are missing the DCC. QSI has done a decent job of getting the whistles fairly close to the prototype in most of my BLI models, unlike the recent PCM Big Boy sounds. I would hope they do as good a job with their choice of sounds for the new system.
They also talk about the five years they have been doing sound and I would translate that statement to mean, the five year contract with QSI is up soon and they are going to change to inhouse sound.
BLI is bringing in a new sound system. I hope they are not dropping QSI as one of their sound systems.
Please check out the web page and comment on what they are doing.
Broadway Limited Imports is proud to introduce the new BlueLine series of value-enhanced DC sound-equipped products. Since the time we pioneered mass-produced HO scale sound-equipped locomotives nearly five years ago, many technological advances have allowed us to significantly reduce the cost associated with building a quality sound-equipped model. Now, with the BlueLine, model railroaders will find good detail and running qualities coupled with a state-of-the-art DC sound system that is DCC Ready-All at significantly lower prices. The BlueLine was designed with today's value-conscious modeler in mind.
http://www.broadway-limited.com/