Quote from: tunneroner61 on February 20, 2026, 03:28:16 PMAs to a 'better' controller then there are a few brands to choose from. Gaugemaster are probably the most well known. Others on here have recommended Morley Vortracks.

I have both Gaugemaster and Morley controllers but still use my Bachmann controller from a set to run locos in on my test oval

We used to have a couple of the d**n things but once or twice a month they would start screeching for no apparent reason. Not only was it annoying for us but our dogs absolutely hated the noise and would become quivering wrecks for a couple of hours. On top of that, the latest ones had a permanent battery which was supposed to last for several years but they never did.

It occurred to me that alarms must be made for deaf people with, frinstance, a flashing light instead of a siren. I think I need to investigate those.

Cheers,

Chris

More done to the layout. The final 2 scenic boards have been wired and tested. I have also started adding the scenic base (in the form of foam) to 2 of the boards. This will be covered with a filler to create a hard shell. The combination of the foam and filler gives a strong yet light board and also allows for the solid fixing of trees etc.

Those Bachmann controllers are well known for giving out high DC voltages. I use one on a shunting layout and it is fine if used carefully.

As to a 'better' controller then there are a few brands to choose from. Gaugemaster are probably the most well known. Others on here have recommended Morley Vortracks. 

Anyone who has watched the N gauge layout 'Grange-over-Sands' will soon wish they had a shotgun to deal with the seagulls

This popped up on a compilation - the original Nirvana. I seem to recall them and The Small Faces were amongst the first to use 'phasing' on their records but could be wrong on that

Like most things, when done right it can be an enhancement, but not just the sound of the locos, background noises - birdsong, livestock in a country setting, traffic in the urban environment.

What you don't want is when you are watching that 1930s bucolic country branchline, is to be able to hear the diesel on tick-over on the modern image depot at the other end of the hall... 

I have to say maybe 99% of N gauge diesel horns just sound like a sparrow farting IMHO.
Having said that, the first time I heard a real Deltic horn I actually laughed because, compared to the loco power and sound, the horn was just pathetic
Imagine total loco sound on James Street

It's not uncommon for the output to read much higher when there is no load. It will drop when under load.     

Try measuring the voltage from the power supply when it's not connected to the controller?  16V AC results in DC peaks of 22V

Just use common sense and run your locos at realistic speeds     If you check the voltage when you're actually running a loco it'll be more reasonable.

Probably the best sound I've heard so far is a class 37 file from Kevin at Coastal dcc own file.

Not my loco, but it's been run at the club and it really does sound 'the business'. I'm not convinced by other diesel sound files.

I fully agree with sound at exhibitions; as an exhibitor, other layouts' sound really grates, though on some layouts it does give a certain something.

I agree with PLD about the plethora of OO or O gauge exhibition loco shed layouts with sound well up-purgatory!

Martyn-