New stuff

[Unclealbo]

New to N gauge and still in the planning stage and although this hobby isn't as manic as computers with 'latest stuff' appearing, the principle is similar.  I have the urge to go DCC sound and some of the things in the sound section of the forum are amazing.  I wonder if Caz works as a  brain surgeon when not fitting incredible amounts of electronics into ridiculously small spaces!
At the moment, buying sound equiped stock from a specialist is a bit of an expensive game. The thing is, I am sure I have seen somewhere that Bachman intend releasing ready to run sound fitted locos.  Is this the case or did I dream it? If one of the main manufacturers produce some then I'm sure the cost will come down.  If it doesn't happen, I will be getting the soldering iron out, although the decoders seem to be a bit pricey as well.
The other thing is are Peco bringing out 9mm finescale track?
I might wait a bit longer before I start spending, once I go down the code 55 route that's that.  I know finescale is available but building my own track and points seems one step beyond.

[PLD]

I am sure I have seen somewhere that Bachman intend releasing ready to run sound fitted locos.  Is this the case or did I dream it?

While Bachmann have reased sound fitted locos in 00, so far in N Gauge, I don't think have released anything even basic DCC fitted other than in starter sets... Dapol have released DDC fitted versions and have talked of sound fitted, but I don't recall anything released yet.

The other thing is are Peco bringing out 9mm finescale track?
I might wait a bit longer before I start spending, once I go down the code 55 route that's that.

Peco have said a definite NO to anything finer than code 55 in the short-medium term.
For someone starting out in N wanting something better than any of the set-track offerings, I'd say 55 is the way to go.

But...

I know finescale is available but building my own track and points seems one step beyond.

While certainly not for beginners, the Finetrax code 40 track is actually quite easy to assemble with a bit of patience and practice.

[DJM Dave]

I think we are due the previously announced class 108 with sound from Farish.

And don't forget the upcoming DJModels classes 17 and 23 are both easy dcc conversions with speaker spaces built into the bottom of the fuel tanks.

Cheers
Dave

[sparky]

I  think there is a direction of travel to factory fitting sound and bachfar will be releasing a sound fitted dmu this year...the change from six pin DCC decoders to newer types offering more function control and potential for sound is already covered by a lively recent thread which no doubt someone will provide the link to shortly.The dmu is item 371-876ds due April ish

[scruff]

Don't forget the Revolution/Rapido Pendolino will also soon be available with sound.

Cheers
Mark

[Unclealbo]

What a forum   thanks for the info.  It sounds as if it will happen (excuse the pun).  I'm doing era 5, so the pendolino won't fit.
Allan

[FourWheelCoach]

While certainly not for beginners, the Finetrax code 40 track is actually quite easy to assemble with a bit of patience and practice.

I often wonder about what things are or are not suitable for beginners. It must depend to a great degree on what skills the individual brings to bear. A computer programmer with no modelling experience could probably get to grips with a complicated DCC set up quite quickly whilst a toolroom fitter might master track building but struggle with scenery. As a hobby, there are so many disciplines involved that it strikes me that one could have years of experience in some aspects but no knowledge of others.

[Bealman]

That's what makes this a great hobby - the wide range of disciplines it involves. 

[Webbo]

That's what makes this a great hobby - the wide range of disciplines it involves. 

I agree totally - and it is never too late to learn new skills if there is a will.

I'm sure sound will start appearing as a factory fitted option in British outline before too long. Over the past few years, sound has gradually become common in US outline with manufacturers like Athearn, Atlas, & Intermountain all offering factory fitted sound versions of their steam and diesel locos. Mind you, sound is not cheap attracting around a $100US premium above the equivalent DC versions.

Webbo

[FourWheelCoach]

Do the sound chips actually produce sound something like a distant train? I imagine them being tinny and faint?

[Webbo]

The speakers in locos are necessarily fairly small so they are not so good at reproducing the deeper rumbling frequencies. I have 5 sound locos - 3 can be run as loud as you like whereas the other 2 are a bit weak for my taste. Despite the lack of the low frequencies, the sounds are pretty good. I especially like the horns and the bells. An alternative to sounds emitted from locos themselves is the Kato Sound Box which is a speaker arrangement directly connected to the controller. Apparently, one can get big deep sound out of this system and it is clever enough that the loco sounds respond to how the throttle is being applied not just to how fast the train is going. This Kato sound system applies to North American prototype so far.

Sound really adds a nice dimension to model railways.
Webbo   

[Yet_Another]

Do the sound chips actually produce sound something like a distant train? I imagine them being tinny and faint?

After experiencing N gauge sound at a few exhibitions (TINGS & Warley among them), my appraisal definitely includes the word tinny, and unfortunately, sometimes not faint enough. It put me off the idea completely, so I'm going to build a small 00 shunting layout for a bit of sound, and keep the N gauge layout mute.

Cheaper that way, as well   

[scruff]

As regards track, I am unaware of anything finer than code 55 from Peco.

There is code 40 track and turnouts available from Easitrack, Great looking track but you have to build it yourself. Myself, I use Peco code 55.

Hope that helps a bit.
Mark