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Purchased Blueline SD40-2

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  • Member since
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  • From: Madison County, KY
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Purchased Blueline SD40-2
Posted by skerber on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 7:44 AM

All I have to say--wow!  Its nice!

I really enjoy the sound--I have a DC layout.  I did purchase the DC master, boy that was real easy to install!  Overall, I am very impressed!

If you can get one, get one.

Steve

http://skerber.rrpicturearchives.net/
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Posted by SunsetLimited on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 10:16 AM
If you have the ability, post some sound samples, i think we have all been curious to hear them, and since BLI does not seem to want to put them on thier site it would be a good way to let us hear them. Glad you like it!
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Posted by MilwaukeeRoad on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 11:13 AM

TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Angel [angel]

I was looking for people the past month that have bought a BlueLine SD40-2..

Could you please give me some pictures or possibly a video of it's sound.

It would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Thanks!

Alex Czajkowski
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Posted by dhy4buva1 on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 3:47 PM

The BlueLine sounds have been posted today for the new EMD SD40-2:

 http://precisioncraftmodels.com/BLISounds/SD40smaller.mp3

 

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Posted by csmith9474 on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 4:18 PM

Is it just me, or does that horn sound a little funky?

Smitty
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Posted by CAZEPHYR on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 4:27 PM

 

I listened to the sound wav and the horn is strange, at least in the recording.  Sometimes, the actual unit is different.    If you listen carefully at a unit going by, you will hear echo sounds off of building and bridges, which changes the sound of the horn. 

The web page below is a hint if you are installing a decoder with more than two functions.

Looks like a nice unit, but I dislike the startup and shutdown all of the time.

.   

http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/bline_hints.htm

 

 

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Posted by jacon12 on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 4:31 PM

Smitty, a fellow club member had a couple of them at last nights meeting.  The recording you heard on their website is exactly what I heard coming from his engines.

Jarrell

 

 

 csmith9474 wrote:

Is it just me, or does that horn sound a little funky?

 HO Scale DCC Modeler of 1950, give or take 30 years.
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Posted by skerber on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 5:06 PM

The sound sounds great to me--I wish I knew how to post video and sound, then I would.  If someone can give me some pointers on how to, I will.

Steve

http://skerber.rrpicturearchives.net/
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Posted by jacon12 on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 5:08 PM

Steve, try uploading a video/sound clip to YouTube.com

It's free, and then you can post a link to that page on here.

Congrats on the new engine!

Jarrell

 HO Scale DCC Modeler of 1950, give or take 30 years.
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Posted by csmith9474 on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 5:21 PM
 skerber wrote:

The sound sounds great to me--I wish I knew how to post video and sound, then I would.  If someone can give me some pointers on how to, I will.

Steve

I hope that didn't come off wrong about the sound. It doesn't sound bad, just off. I don't have much room to be too particular about sound. I am the same guy that doesn't mind the MRC sound in the Genesis units. That may change once I finally get my Lok Sound equipped PAs from PCM.

Smitty
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Posted by cmarchan on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 8:56 PM
 csmith9474 wrote:

Is it just me, or does that horn sound a little funky?

Yes, it does. Some of the horns from ESU are like this; there are usually three audio files that create the horn; the beginning and end files are usually real horn samples with little or no alteration (sometimes the reverb is real); the middle is usually either a very small (.1 second or smaller!) sample or a synthetic fascimile that is looped ; the reason is if the "loop" sample is not symetric in tone, amplitude and modulation, you will hear a wow or warbling effect when you 'lay on the horn' - long blasts. Actually, prototype horns have a slight warble when blasted for more than a few seconds.

Carl in Florida - - - - - - - - - - We need an HO Amtrak SDP40F and GE U36B oh wait- We GOT THEM!

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Posted by BRAKIE on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 9:08 PM
Once again we have a SD40-2 that doesn't come close to a real 645E3 prime mover sound..The sound loosely resembles a 567D1 in a GP18.

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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Posted by skerber on Thursday, June 14, 2007 4:26 AM

As soon as I find some time I will post video.

http://skerber.rrpicturearchives.net/
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Posted by AntonioFP45 on Thursday, June 14, 2007 9:41 AM

Carl,

As always great info regarding the complexities involving onboard sound, especially when it comes to editing horn and whistle sounds.

In my humble opinion , overall, the sound is a great improvement over the previous BLI SD40-2. The horn sounds like a Nathan K3La. 

I like the prime mover as well as on the startup I can hear the turbocharger drive gear engaging.   

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


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Posted by Tilden on Thursday, June 14, 2007 11:07 AM

I'm agreeing with Antonio on this one.  The sounds seem crisp and clean hopefully there is a good amount of volume adjustment available.

Tilden

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Posted by BRAKIE on Thursday, June 14, 2007 11:26 AM
 AntonioFP45 wrote:

Carl,

As always great info regarding the complexities involving onboard sound, especially when it comes to editing horn and whistle sounds.

In my humble opinion , overall, the sound is a great improvement over the previous BLI SD40-2. The horn sounds like a Nathan K3La. 

I like the prime mover as well as on the startup I can hear the turbocharger drive gear engaging.   

 

Sorry,after listening to that sound clip for the 5 straight times I must draw the same conclusion..No 645E3 sound there.Doesn't even come close.

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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Posted by SunsetLimited on Thursday, June 14, 2007 11:30 AM
They just posted the sound byte for the AC6000 also, i like the QSI sound better.
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Posted by AntonioFP45 on Friday, June 15, 2007 6:38 AM

No need to apologize Brakie.

I've listened to it again and have compared it to the recordings that I have as well as several SD40-2 videos on You Tube.  No doubt in my mind it's an EMD 645 series power system. Again, overall it is still a BIG improvement over the previous SD40-2.  My LHS is already selling these new units.  DCC/Sound seems to be getting more and more popular here in my neck of the woods (Tampa Bay). I'm sure this and other PCM units will be popping up at the Suncoast MRR Club.

One feature that many of us should appreciate is that with then new programmer from QSI, anyone can upload other sounds, including other prime movers and horns.

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


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Posted by grubbab on Friday, June 15, 2007 8:06 AM

 AntonioFP45 wrote:
I've listened to it again and have compared it to the recordings that I have as well as several SD40-2 videos on You Tube.  No doubt in my mind it's an EMD 645 series power system. Again, overall it is still a BIG improvement over the previous SD40-2.  My LHS is already selling these new units.  DCC/Sound seems to be getting more and more popular here in my neck of the woods (Tampa Bay). I'm sure this and other PCM units will be popping up at the Suncoast MRR Club.

The sounds used in the Broadway Limited Blue Line SD40-2 were recorded from SOO Line #6621 in the Wisconsin Cenral RR service and repair yard in Fondulac, WI.  Photo below.

http://sooline.railfan.net/photos/madsen/soo6621humboldt.html

The sound clip posted on the BLI website are a recording of the actual model, made by placing a microphone near the track so the sound clip is as close as possible to the model.

http://precisioncraftmodels.com/BLISounds/SD40smaller.mp3

Bob Grubba

President, Broadway Limited Imports

   

 

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Posted by MilwaukeeRoad on Friday, June 15, 2007 1:03 PM
I didn't know the BLI president watched us..Shy [8)] Anyways, thanks for the expert advice. Also, could you guys post a video of this model in action? I'm still kinda "iffy" about buying it.
Alex Czajkowski
  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Hickory NC
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Posted by conrailpolice on Friday, June 15, 2007 2:38 PM
This is mine first locomotive I have ever bought with sound, Dont have the Money for DCC so I'm very happy with this model, I got the Controller and a Norfolk Southern SD 40-2 for $112.00 what a deal...I railfan alot, and love the sound. I do hope to see more models in the BlueLine Series 
  • Member since
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  • From: Madison County, KY
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Posted by skerber on Friday, June 15, 2007 6:35 PM

The reason why I bought the model was exactly the same reason as conrailpolice--I don't have a lot of money to sink into DCC.  I am very thankful I bought it.  I thought about searching for a deal somewhere on a gold series Atlas, but when I saw a deal online for the Blueline series, I said to myself, "WOW, I got to get it!" I bought mine for for $127.00 (including priority shipping and handling).  That's the price of a silent model!!!

Steve

http://skerber.rrpicturearchives.net/
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Posted by AntonioFP45 on Friday, June 15, 2007 6:56 PM
 grubbab wrote:

 AntonioFP45 wrote:
I've listened to it again and have compared it to the recordings that I have as well as several SD40-2 videos on You Tube.  No doubt in my mind it's an EMD 645 series power system. Again, overall it is still a BIG improvement over the previous SD40-2.  My LHS is already selling these new units.  DCC/Sound seems to be getting more and more popular here in my neck of the woods (Tampa Bay). I'm sure this and other PCM units will be popping up at the Suncoast MRR Club.

The sounds used in the Broadway Limited Blue Line SD40-2 were recorded from SOO Line #6621 in the Wisconsin Cenral RR service and repair yard in Fondulac, WI.  Photo below.

http://sooline.railfan.net/photos/madsen/soo6621humboldt.html

The sound clip posted on the BLI website are a recording of the actual model, made by placing a microphone near the track so the sound clip is as close as possible to the model.

http://precisioncraftmodels.com/BLISounds/SD40smaller.mp3

Bob Grubba

President, Broadway Limited Imports

Bob,

Thank you very much for that link and also for removing all doubt that the recorded sound is that of an SD40-2 with 645 power system. 

Only my opinion, but to be fair to Brakie, we also have to consider that even with diesel locomotives that have identical types of power systems, factors such as age, wear & tear, maintenance duty cycles, mechanical rebuilding, electrical component upgrading , etc, will affect the character of the sound emitted from locomotives (just as in automobiles).  

Locomotive horns are good examples of equipment that's easily affected.  A friend of mine (who is a sharp eared musician)  noticed that the Soundtraxx recording of the Wabco E2 horn (honker) sounds like an aged horn perhaps due to a worn out diaphram or related components.  Even with Soundtraxx's editing, it is noticeable when compared to other Wabco E2 horn recordings from competitors or even samples currently on the web that sound sharper. 

Both the BLI GG1 and E8 (if I'm not mistaken) use QSI's recordings of Leslie AA2 horns. Yet you activate the horns on both these models and you will hear slight differences between the horns' characters that seem to go beyond the digital editing.  The GG1's horn sounds "foggier" while the E unit's horn sound is sharper.  

High Greens Wink [;)]

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


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Posted by CAZEPHYR on Friday, June 15, 2007 7:23 PM
 grubbab wrote:

 AntonioFP45 wrote:
I've listened to it again and have compared it to the recordings that I have as well as several SD40-2 videos on You Tube.  No doubt in my mind it's an EMD 645 series power system. Again, overall it is still a BIG improvement over the previous SD40-2.  My LHS is already selling these new units.  DCC/Sound seems to be getting more and more popular here in my neck of the woods (Tampa Bay). I'm sure this and other PCM units will be popping up at the Suncoast MRR Club.

The sounds used in the Broadway Limited Blue Line SD40-2 were recorded from SOO Line #6621 in the Wisconsin Cenral RR service and repair yard in Fondulac, WI.  Photo below.

http://sooline.railfan.net/photos/madsen/soo6621humboldt.html

The sound clip posted on the BLI website are a recording of the actual model, made by placing a microphone near the track so the sound clip is as close as possible to the model.

http://precisioncraftmodels.com/BLISounds/SD40smaller.mp3

Bob Grubba

President, Broadway Limited Imports

   

Bob

Thanks for coming on and giving us that information. 

  I have a question for you about the future whistle on the PRR J1 and M1.  Are you going to get a better PRR sounding whistle on the blue line compared to the previous QSI sound for the PRR engines?  

 I have all of the BLI PRR steam models and would appreciate an upgrade to that whistle.  

Thanks for listening

CAZEPHYR

 

 

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Posted by BRAKIE on Friday, June 15, 2007 8:52 PM
Mr.Grubba,Sorry to say that sound Blythe doesn't do the model justice..I was up close and personal with one of your SD40-2s..Indeed it does sound like a 645E3.After listening to that unit run for 5 straight hours I doubt if I will buy any sound equipped locos any time soon-maybe not even in the next lustrum.Shock [:O].

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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Posted by AntonioFP45 on Sunday, June 17, 2007 9:41 AM

These new Blue Line locomotives certainly look like and sound like they're going to be winners! I'm definetly looking forward to having some of these units on my roster.

Brakie,

in reading your above response......many would come to the conclusion that NO modern HO/N sound system is going to please you.  You stated a while back that the club you belong to voted not to have any sound equipped units on the layout at all, so your response is understandable and almost expected.  

For many of us (myself included); onboard sound has become an incredibly enjoyable feature of this hobby and its great to see that it is becoming more and more popular. 

I enjoy walking in the SMRR Club, and throughout the layout I hear the faint distant sounds of Alco 251s, GE FDL 16s, EMD 567s, and steamers.    Dinner [dinner]Headphones [{(-_-)}]   

Mr. Grubba.......please keep them coming! Captain [4:-)]Thumbs Up [tup]

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


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Posted by Driline on Sunday, June 17, 2007 12:03 PM

 BRAKIE wrote:
Mr.Grubba,Sorry to say that sound Blythe doesn't do the model justice..I was up close and personal with one of your SD40-2s..Indeed it does sound like a 645E3.After listening to that unit run for 5 straight hours I doubt if I will buy any sound equipped locos any time soon-maybe not even in the next lustrum.Shock [:O].

Why do you even bother to comment on threads like this? We all know you hate everything to do with DCC and sound and will never ever convert. Good for you, your choice.

But give the rest of us a break here. We like our DCC and sound.

Modeling the Davenport Rock Island & Northwestern 1995 in HO
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Posted by SunsetLimited on Sunday, June 17, 2007 1:49 PM
 Driline wrote:

 BRAKIE wrote:
Mr.Grubba,Sorry to say that sound Blythe doesn't do the model justice..I was up close and personal with one of your SD40-2s..Indeed it does sound like a 645E3.After listening to that unit run for 5 straight hours I doubt if I will buy any sound equipped locos any time soon-maybe not even in the next lustrum.Shock [:O].

Why do you even bother to comment on threads like this? We all know you hate everything to do with DCC and sound and will never ever convert. Good for you, your choice.

But give the rest of us a break here. We like our DCC and sound.

 I second that.

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Posted by snagletooth on Sunday, June 17, 2007 2:03 PM

 It sounds like an SD40 to me. The only problem I heard (besides the horn, but I've heard "sick" horns before) is that while reving up,  the turbo is completely drowning out the prime mover. All the secondary sounds are great, just a little loud compared to the prime mover. wheres the thrrrrump, thrrrummp of the 645, which under heavy loads can sometimes drown out the turbo, not the other way around.

Is their any way to adjust the different sounds to bring out certain things and back off a little some others?  

Snagletooth
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 17, 2007 4:54 PM
The sound may be ok, but sound does not compensate for an absolutely terrible shell and lack of railroad-specific details. Compared to other modern diesel offerings from Atlas and Athearn, the BLI SD40-2 looks like it was tooled 25 years ago thanks to plenty of heavy molding and thick details.

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