last week I have received a sound board of Phoenix sound for the SD40. The thing is about 2" long and 1 1/2" wide, but what a sound it produces!!!!! I will not install it in the locomotive. I find it rather expensive to install a $240 sound board in each one. I put three loudspeakers of 120 WATT in line with an amplifier each and put my SD40 on the track and opened the throttle slowly. The whole place started reverberating and shaking then the turbowhine came on....and then a noise of a small steam loco came in between??? No, it was my neighbour hitting the wall with a wooden pole . I must say that Phoenix sound is great stuff. ------------------ Paul Van Herwegen Rappannahock Terminal Railway [This message has been edited by Rappannahock Terminal (edited 12 September 2000).]
Way to go! That "sounds" great. I was thinking of doing the same thing myself. I only have two GP9's and an SD40-2 on the way so your right. It does get kind'a expensive. Still...always go with the best and you won't be sorry. I'll install a system after Christmas. In the meantime my engines are running with the ever popular "imagine-sound" system. Don't cost much. Always on. Dave ------------------ Dave Winter Owner/Operator Winter Valley Regional Railway
Dave I have always found that the sound that comes from large speakers is far more realistic than the one that comes from speakers built in the locomotive. You have more ability to create a balanced sound. I like the idling sound most. I must say that the sounds of ITT (Innovative Train Technology) are also great, especially the crossing bell, horn, slow diesel running and their prices are very good as well. Included their website where you can hear the different sounds they make: http://www.ittcsoundeffects.com/tsg.htm Also on the QSI website you can find some very nice sound samples, I like the idling sound they produce: http://www.qsindustries.com/ Paul ------------------ Paul Van Herwegen Rappannahock Terminal Railway
