Here's a trio of "newish" CN power, a couple of SD75i s and an SD70M-2. The two MU'd engines have sound decoders, although of different makes. The M-2 has an SDN144K1E into which I've uploaded the SD70ACe soundfile from the Digitrax Sound Depot, it does sound better than the stock SD40-2 which comes preloaded and is now erased off the chip. The SD75i behind it has an MRC 1644-2, which, while it doesn't readback on DecoderPro, does inform me that the two prime movers in it are the SD45-2 and the MP15. I'm running with the SD45-2 although frankly I doubt you could tell. There's also a video of the two engines idling and making various noises, some automatic and some initiated by me. The MRC makes a lot more and better sounding engine-associated noises and other sounds, but the prime mover is way too quiet compared to the Digitrax. Then the engines move forward, squealing around the curve, stopping and backing up. You hear the dynamic brakes come on while the engines are stage left, because I'm toggling back and forth between the two consisted engines to activate certain sounds, and the MRC and Digitrax use different functions for different sounds. I meant to have an air release, F5 on MRC, but hit the F5 for the Digitrax instead, causing the dynamics to come on. It's confusing but fun. The 1644-2 decoder is presumably of an older vintage making it mostly useless on DecoderPro although the 1806-2 MRC decoder I have in an SD40-2 supports full read/write on the computer interface. This helps with speed-matching. The lack of deep bass is obviously a major impediment to realistic sound. I have acquired a limited roster of HO power to compare the scales. I have nothing to report yet (because I don't have any track!!), but from what I hear on YouTube videos, the HO engines also suffer from deep bass deficiency. However, I'm afraid there's nothing like sound coming out of your engine, especially when you're up close. Here's a link to the video: http://s965.photobucket.com/albums/...C and Sound/?action=view¤t=P1060089.mp4
I’ve been developing an interest with A&B units I bought the Kato COLA passenger set and then decided to also buy the locos so that I can match the color. Then I saw the Kato El Capitan10 Car Passenger Set on sale and I just couldn’t pass it up. Of course it just meant that I just had to have F7 A&B Santa Fe Warbonnet units and I could only find them at Fifer. I had mentioned that I wish I could get my hands on a SP Black Widow A&B unit and Mike just happened to have them as well, so I pick up those too. Then I saw the IM FT A&B Santa Fe Warbonnets for sale in the Trainstore so I picked them up as well to go with my other Warbonnets. And to top it off I just finished putting decoders in all of them. :thumbs_up:cool:
Don, where's the new shop in Marietta - I live in Acworth and avoiding the long drive to Trainmaster for good selection would be great!
Hi, RWCJr, How could I contact the person that did your ATSF 4-8-4 conversions? . Thx for a reply, those look great.
I bought a used Bemo 2-8-8-2 Y6b mallet. Bemo took over the old Röwa model, or at least a set of tools. This version has the same road number as Röwa, N&W 2172, but the paint is different. Anyone replaced a motor of this engine?
Mike, I am sorry I have to say this, but if you seriously think you have enough ATSF F units, you are clearly delusional. :tb-biggrin::tb-biggrin: When it comes to ATSF F units, you can never have enough! :thumbs_up: But what you have is a really nice start, and they look great too! Now we just need to see them in action!
After the SP Bicentennial caboose and the SP 4449 "Freedom Train" it was just too hard for me to pass up the new Kato U30C BN 1776 "Bicentennial" locomotive.
Motivation to get Table Built: Kato "Hayabuso" to go with my FVM "Hiawatha" Kato BN C30 at bottom. Not sure if it is visible but there is room for the 3 car set in the "add on" box. Nice feature!.
Them's is SD50s, not 60s, I have #5510 & #5514 in my own collection. They're great locos though, I've had very little trouble with mine right out of the box, better than my Kato ATSF SD40-2 even (which likes to derail the freight car behind it on 13.75" curves, I might try replacing it's Kato couplers). Your layout looks awesome though, I'm very jealous.
The F40's are one of my favorite locos. I guess they remind me of the old F units. Now I need to paint a couple in the YN3 CSX scheme if Kato does not beat me to them by releasing a few in the YN3 CSX paint scheme. :thumbs_up:
Thirdcoastrail, Oops! You are correct. This is what happens to the brain when posting after 10:00 PM I edited the post to say SD50. Thank you for spotting it. I went and looked at the picture of your two Atlas SD50's. Nice weathering job on them. Hope to get at least one more of these.
