DC Sound

Tdm · February 02, 2015, 11:19:48 AM

After watching Mr PJ's recent video, I am more and more interested in adding sound to my layout, but I am purely DC and have no intention of going DCC.

As well as the forthcoming Kato sound module for DC operation (which seems to have certain limitations IMHO), Train-Tech say their "wireless" sound module can be fitted inside an N gauge wagon (or carriage) with modification behind the locomotive pulling it, but has anyone on here done this and what sounds are available from Train-Tech's module?.

For example is it just a general diesel sound, or is the module programable to suit say a Class 37 diesel as opposed to a Class 25 or Class 47?

I have emailed Train-Tech asking for more information, but would also like to hear from any Forum members who have added sound to their DC system.

Regards

Malc · February 02, 2015, 11:57:59 AM

I have seen this video of theirs on YouTube.
http://youtu.be/2_YovxJGARA

PostModN66 · February 02, 2015, 12:53:28 PM

I too would be interested in this......

Cheers Jon

Chris · February 02, 2015, 07:18:16 PM

A friend of mine who models in Orribly Overscale has a DC layout but with several sound fitted locos. Somehow the chap at Trains4U programs them so some sounds in the chip work on DC, mainly the loco running and start up sounds.

D1015 Western Champion at Old Oak Common (DC Sound)

The main downside is everytime you start a loco it has to go through the startup sound before it'll move and shut down sound every time you stop the loco. It also seems to make the lights flicker. I would have thought the same principle could be applied in N.

Bob Tidbury · February 02, 2015, 07:56:46 PM

For anybody interested Train Tech will be at Doncaster show this weekend I might spend a little bit of my Christmas money on an N gauge light strip they do one in cool light and warm light they look good .
Bob

Tdm · February 02, 2015, 08:14:48 PM

Quote from: Bob Tidbury on February 02, 2015, 07:56:46 PM
For anybody interested Train Tech will be at Doncaster show this weekend I might spend a little bit of my Christmas money on an N gauge light strip they do one in cool light and warm light they look good .
Bob

You could do me a favour please Bob and ask them about their wireless sound module for me.

I believe there is just a single module for diesel sound and a different module for steam sound, plus a seperate module for DMU/EMUs, which means you would need 3 modules if you want them for diesel, steam, and DMU/EMU running.

Could you also ask if their £40 price tag includes VAT as Tenerife is not subject to EEC VAT.

Be interested to hear what they say if you could post it on here. I am not in the U.K.again till May when coming over for a Wedding in the Mold area of North Wales.

Bob Tidbury · February 02, 2015, 09:38:54 PM

I know that they do two one for steam and one for diesel I didn't know about the one for DMUs they have a web site with video clips but I will see if I get the chance to ask them about the VAT will post if I find out.
The modules will only fit in N gauge wagons or coaches if you cut a big hole in the floor and part of the module then shows underneath in between the sole bar I haven't actually seen one in an N gauge tender or diesel loco but again it's on the website.
Bob

E Pinniger · February 03, 2015, 06:19:08 PM

Another option, for steam-only layouts at least, is Modelex's "Steam Chuffer" which is a static module connected to the controller rather than located in a loco/coach etc. I've seen (or rather heard) one on an O gauge micro-layout and it sounded remarkably effective - both the sound of the locomotive in motion and the hiss when it was idle. I think it also had a brake sound but not sure. It certainly had a "cylinder number" switch so the sound could be altered to suit the loco.

I've often thought of buying one myself but am slightly put off by the necessity of disconnecting it every time I run a diesel (since I model BR early 1960s)!

There are one or two other similar products available, but all the ones I've heard had a very simple and synthetic-sounding "chuff chuff" noise.

Tdm · February 04, 2015, 04:58:45 PM

Well I've bitten the bullet and ordered 2 Train-Tech sound modules - one steam, one diesel (which I believed is based on a Class 31).

Been in contact with Train-Tech and they accept orders direct and automatically deduct the VAT when I specify delivery to Tenerife.

Going to give them a try and will report on progress when they arrive (probably be about 10 to 14 days from now).

Bob - you don't need to ask any questions for me of Train-Tech at this weekends show now that I have all the information I need and have placed an order - but thanks for the offer of doing so anyway.

Hopefully will have finished the extension to my layout by the time they arrive so I can test the sound modules out on it, I intend placing one module in/on a wagon to begin with as Train-Tech advise.

With extension finished, and a couple of trains running round the track containing the new sound modules (one steam, one diesel) I will video the results and post them on YouTube.

Hope I haven't wasted my money, but with the VAT deducted the modules seem reasonably priced.

Bob Tidbury · February 04, 2015, 07:07:15 PM

Ok glad you've sorted it ,I will still go and have a chat with them if the weather permits us to get there on Sat.
Bob

Tdm · February 04, 2015, 10:37:56 PM

Quote from: Bob Tidbury on February 04, 2015, 07:07:15 PM
Ok glad you've sorted it ,I will still go and have a chat with them if the weather permits us to get there on Sat.
Bob

If you do speak to them, you might mention that I think it might be a good idea and of mutual benefit if Train-Tech got together with a model railway manufacturer or small specialist supplier and offered a wagon or carriage with one their modules professionally fitted inside it and offered it for sale as a ready to run item for those who want DC sound but don't have some suitable rolling stock to hand, or don't want the hassle of having to cut one up to fit the sound module.

Just a thought, and I might suggest this to Train-Tech directly in an email.