I was looking at the sound issue on HO trains and think its not viable at these price points of at least $200 canadian ( I am in Toronto) on a Kato or Atlas ( too much in my opinon) so here is a cheap alternative . This is not a perfect solution and the engine must always have a car behind it . Get an Fm transmitter ( at Radio s-ack or any electronics outfit) alternatively here is a link to make your own ( http://www.aaroncake.net/circuits/fmtrans.htm ) Get a cheap FM radio usually found at the dollar store and place it in the car behind the engine. then all you need is a cheap mp3 or dvd player to play your train sounds . I found some sounds on the internet that I downloaded (just search Train sounds or free train sounds) and either burn them to a cd or put them on the mp3 player.or a tape recorder the old fashion way or a mini tape player . THe sounds will be transmitted to the FM radio at a certain mhz setting . theses devices tshould cost at most $ 30 dollars since the fm transmitter is about $ 10 and the radio $1 TO $2 and the cd player at canadian tyre for $ 15-$`17 . Any thoughts ?
With Soundtraxx LC decoders going for 20 bucks in some places, this doesnt seem worth it.
ok however do soundtraxx lc decoders require you have dcc in order for it to work?or can you hook up soundtraxx to any locomotive?
Make noises with your mouth. It’s free. Yes, the Soundtraxx decoders require DCC. As for the 20 buck decoders, I’ve googled until I’m gooled out, and I don’t think they exist. Besides, Soundtraxx emplemented a minumum pricing guide not long ago, and anyone selling too much below that would be subject to a lawsuit. I’ll believe the 20 buck decoders when someone provides a link. I’ve asked several times, and no one ever has. That tells me it’s bull$hit.
Here is an even cheaper alternative!
CH CH CH CH CH CH CH CHOO CHOO! Repeat as neccesary! Works well for me. Oh by the way, don’t take this seriously.
I don’t mean anything by this just haveing a little fun!!! 
It’s always worked for me [:I][:I]
I’ll believe the $20 one when I see it too…
Jeff
Thats a good idea. You can just park the car in a switching yard and play general train yard sounds too. You could move it from industry to industry as you wish instead of having sound in a building that you can’t move.
Great idea!
Thanks
(then I could add sound tech and recording engineer to my resume of train skills)[:D]
sounds good
Glad i’m noty the only one … Wife finds it rather enjoyable[:D]
Me making the sound when i run my train [}:)]
" dirty minded people! LOL [:D]