Does anyone have the Broadway Limited N Scale ALCo PA's, with sound? Interested in a Rio Grande ABA set on Ebay right now. Just wondering if anyone has the set, or has seen them in action? Like to know how they sound. Might go for, if another item I'm highly interested in doesn't pan out. Information appreciated. Thanks.
I have the SP set. Very nice. The sound is very good. For me the DCC control is good. I don't tinker to much with that aspect. I'm relatively new to DCC. And-yes- I would buy more of BLI's products. If they produce them. Enjoy, Wolf
I have had the SP Daylite ABA set for a couple of years. I like the sound better than the 3 Tsunami's I have but they for steam. They pull the Kato 10 car Daylite set with ease up my 3% grade. I highly recomend them. Go for it, Harold
I've got a Santa Fe ABBA set, 10+ for detailing, running qualities and sound. Get them while you can, with BLI there may not be any more.
Just bought the DRGW set on that site! Now, wondering what brand DCC/Sound decoder is in the locomotives. Can't be too bad, if they run, look and sound good! Just curious. As always, information appreciated. Thanks.
Yes it does. That's what I have (Digitrax Super Chief). Although- to use all available functions, you would have to use the DT402 throttle. I have the DT400 and it only goes to function 12. Not a huge deal. But-still.. would be cool to access the sounds above F-12. Have a good one, Wolf
That's what I upgraded to over time also! Have the DT400, UP-3 and UR-91 radio panel(s). I've seen a friend having major problems with the DT402. Was having trouble getting and running trains at last show. So, I'm NOT sure it's worth the $$, plus the required UR-92? panel.
Keith- yeah- that's what I've been hearing as well. That's why I havn't taken the DT-402 plunge myself. I suppose I'll stick with my good 'ol DT-400 for awhile longer. Wolf
I have a BLI set of E-7s, also with a Paragon decoder. Most of the sounds you're going to want are in the first eight functions. Once you get past F12 you start getting things like barnyard sounds and that sort of silliness. I guess those are handy if you are using your PA's to run through the middle of a farm, but how often do we really need that sort of thing? I most often use the horn, the bell, and the light functions. I use mine on Digitrax systems. The only trick (and this is not unique to BLI's decoders) is that, with the Zephyr anyway, you gotta do the resistor over the rails trick to get them to take a program. Since it was mentioned... I have a DT-402 throttle (not R or D, just the tethered one) and have had pretty much none of the problems reported here. Where people most often seem to have an issue with the duplex version (DT-402D) is that they use a cheap-o rechargeable that doesn't maintain enough voltage for long and then you lose the signal. This is because the duplex radio, as I understand it, runs the battery more intensively. There are a couple things to note on the UR92 and the duplex and they're handled in the Digitrax knowledge base pretty extensively. Now, if I had already had a DT-400 I probably would not upgrade to the 402 just to get the additional sounds, but since I was buying a new throttle AFTER the DT-400 was discontinued I got the DT-402.
SteamDonkey74 hit the nail on the head to have no issues with True 9.6v 230mAh rating re-chargeable batteries. The "normal" 9v batteries rapidy lose their juice and the 402 doesn't function well or not at all at 8v or less. I had all the issues until getting those batteries from Litchfield Station. I still use some of the regular 9v batteries but know to only use them when fully charged and not for more than an hour, at best. I have 4 of BLI with the paragon sound decoders and they are one of the best for sound.....although I replaced my traction tire wheels for regular wheels on all four; makes a huge difference in stop-studder crap with the decoders. Brian
Brian has more of the tech specs here. I am still using regular rechargeable Ni-MH "9V" batteries, which are 8.4 V, but since I don't have duplex and since I charge them before each session it hasn't yet become a big deal. When I change over to duplex eventually I will get the 9.6V ones he has. I forgot to mention about the BLI locomotives. I have two with sound. They both have sockets by which their decoders attach. I am glad I registered the warranty on mine right off because I ended up with a problem with one decoder. To BLI's credit, their service was very good. One of my decoders quit responding to anything, even after a reset. I emailed them late on a Thursday. They responded on Friday saying the decoder was probably shot and presenting me with two options - either send the whole thing in or send me a new chip I could install myself (something I had requested). I took the latter option, and I had a replacement chip in the mail by the end of the day on Monday. I haven't had such problems since.
Most of the sound effects are just gimmicks, who needs modern radio chatter on E's and PA's, but the farmyard sounds get the kids gathered round the layout at train shows. The grade crossing '--0-' whistle signal on f3 is a nice touch though.
It's a pity they don't release the PA's in the colours of one of the biggest Alco fans: the New Haven...
Actually, I's surprised they didn't do that one either. It's also a pity they aren't bigger believers in N scale and make a DL109 in it's different variations.
Looks like I'll get to play with my new units real soon!! Expected delivery tomorrow! So, I'll have some time to experiment with them. Only a small 2x4 though, but it works!
