I would be interested in what you will have to report. I have heard about the Knowles speakers and would like to try them.
Thank you for your efforts. This is all well and good and at least apparently better than my memory. I decided before I read your post that I was going to accept the locomotive regardless if I pre-ordered it or not. But I did pre-order it. Here is my post on Jan 28, 2015: "This was not on my 'want list' but I ordered a B&O with sound. This will be my first sound equipped engine and the on line price was fairly reasonable I thought. So I'll give it a try." So I am guilty as charged (on my credit card). Somehow I get the feeling that this will be a good locomotive and if I am correct there will be about five Kato 2-8-2's looking for a new home.
My MP 2-8-2 came in today's mail. Thanks Pete! Only had time to unwrap it and do a quick look. Will read the instructions and run it tomorrow.
Agreed, but I'm not willing to add separately-applied handrails any more to the Model Power steamers. I have done that on my 4-6-2 Pacific, and went through roughly eight drill bills trying to get the holes drilled out. Looks good when it's done, but it's a pain.
On September 4, 2015, I received two of the 2-8-2s. [One was returned to the dealer because I had cancelled the order, and he said to take it to the post office and refuse receipt.] The one I have on my test loop meets my expectations. I like the ability to program CVs to adjust the whistle type and volume, and type, rate and volume of many of the other sound features. I have not optimized the whistle type to my ears. I was surprised the volume is set quite high for many of the sound features, and even as a hearing impaired person, I elected to reduce the volumes to 1/3 or 1/2 the number set from the factory. I have the B&O with Vandy tender and am surprised by the sound in a relatively small tender. I suspect when I hear JD Colombo's locomotive with the decoder and speaker he installs, I may wish I elected that option. Overall, I am delighted dcc and sound are available in a small steam locomotive. I am pleased to have this one in the roster.
Here is the new mp mike and his first day on the job. Mind you its a 1% that turns into a 2 %. The coupler was out of its socket. Easily fixed. I still need to play with sounds. But I think you can see alot here. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Forty cars and a caboose is impressive for any small loco, that metal body and TTs really work well together. Got to have some soon.