Hey guys,
Seeing that I am mostly all old school post-war I have a question.
I have this late 1980s K-line MP-15 switcher # 2215 with no bells or whistles so I thought it would be nice to add a sound system. Seems to have plentu of room under the shell.
Looking for suggestions for a first timer. Something that is painless to install.
Tks,
Kev.
The only way to do this “painlessly” is to install an external sound system with an external speaker. For a look at internal sound systems, check Dallee here: http://www.dallee.com/AC_Diesel.html The speaker is a custom installation, and you have to decide where and how to install it. The page has a link to the instructions, so you can see what is involved. I don’t know if K-Line ever made that switcher with a sound system installed; if so, there may be a retrofit kit out there.
Larry
Thanks Larry,
I looked at your link. Looks to be a good option.
As far as painless: I am not quite that impaired. If I wanted external I would just buy another RailSounds boxcar. By painless I ment the install to the engine.
Like I said, “Seems to have plenty of room under the shell.” So I am looking at an in the shell system. I can do needed modifications if need be. E.g. drilling holes for sound and mounting boards.
I have looked at some of the lionel kits but would like to know if others sell these systems.
Dallee is pricey for a low end switcher application,
Any one else with other ideas???
Tks,
Kev.
I’ve added the Williams TrueBlast II horns to several units. They have a very decent sounding whistle and bell.
Note that this is just a whistle and bell, and they come in diesel and steam varieties.
I’m not that impressed with the Lionel whistle units for conventional, I have several in my junkbox, but I don’t feel that inclined to use them. 
Thanks John!
I will check them out. I just want to spice this switcher up some, not send it into space. [(-D] I also have a Lionel 8111 DT&I that could use some spice. Both nice runners.
Got any part numbers of TrueBlast II horns that you have used? Where to get them?
I have a sound activation button and a whistle button on my RW so i can run them.
Tks,
kev.
I retract that recommendation, they’ve really gone up in price since I bought them!
How about this MRC Unit, a bit more reasonable. MRC Sound Decoder for AC Item 0001815. For $22.98, it seems a pretty good deal.
If you go to MRC’s website you will find a soundboard for 22.95 plus 10.00 shipping and handling. It’s the best deal you will find and it is an easy install with only two wires to connect. I have them in all my old Williams and K-Line locomotives. Here is a direct link http://www.modelrec.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=8287
Thanks for the info John and Kevin!!! [Y]
Looks like the right price to take a chance on and looking at the instruction sheet sounds like even me can hook it up. Think I will give it a try after payday. [:D]
Kevin, you say you have them installed. How do they sound? and is there a volume control?
Tks,
Kev.
John,
I see that Trainz has the TruBlast set up for $34.00 that is not toooo bad. http://www.trainz.com/p-235415-williams-00245-digital-trueblast-ii-diesel-sound.aspx
There is also a U-Tube clip of one I listened to.
Thanks,
Kevin
$32.00 w/ free shipping HERE.
WOW Rob it just keeps getting better. that is a better deal. you guys are good shopers. [co]
Looks like the MRC does more things than just Bell and Whistle so I may try one of them first.
Tks,
Kev.
Yep this thing has 8 different horns and 4 different mover sounds Alco, MP15,F units and I forget the last one. You get more for your money with the MRC than the TB II. If you can order more than one as it’s a maximum of 10.00 shipping no matter how many you buy.
There used to be a remote control for that MRC unit, don’t know if it’s still available. It was really slick, you could configure the sounds using the remote. It was also cheap, like $12 as I recall.
The remote is still available here http://www.jimsmodeltrains.com/-strse-761/MRC-1824-Remote-Transmitter/Detail.bok. You can extend the range of the remote by extending the length of the antenna on the sound board.
I got 2 of the MRC boards with the remote. Can’t hear either one when running on hollow rails, the audio amp on the board just isn’t strong enough to be louder than the noise the train makes moving on the track. I have tried different speakers as was suggested elsewhere. The problem is worst on fastrack.
If you want full sounds I would go here. If all you want is a horn and bell, go with the Williams true blast II.
Just my 3 1/2 cents worth [8D]
Moozuki
Hummmmmm??? [-)] [%-)] [-)] [:^)]
As John said…“I’m not that impressed with the Lionel whistle units for conventional, I have several in my junkbox, but I don’t feel that inclined to use them. :)”
Now what???
I have new 027 Lionel track attached to 1/2" plywood. Goes back to my question on volume control.
Still thinking at the MRC.
Any comments or suggestions???
Tks,
Kev.
P.S. you all have a great Thanksgiving.
I will check in on Friday
If you can’t figure out how to buy the remote from MRC, here’s an eBay listing for it.
Search for eBay listing: 120707483888
That works with the MRC sound system I linked previously.
The E.R.R. units I linked to are not the same as what John is talking about, they are full railsounds 4.0 and work great. I have 2 MRC units and can not hear either one when trains are in motion. My layout has 1/2 soundboard on top of OSD. My track is attached to the soundboard only which is free floating on the OSD. My trains run about as quiet as you can get on fastrack. The MRC units in my opinion just are not loud enough for o-scale, maybe for HO, but not O. I still recommend the Williams True Blast for horn/whistle and bell. If you want full sounds I would go with the E.R.R. railsounds commander - worth the money and then some.
I posted the direct link to Jims Trains to buy the remote for the MRC Units. The Railsound 4.0 sound boards are much better than the MRC units but cost twice as 5X more. Try to make the baffles out of the old prescription pill bottle.
RRaddict,
I am going to try a MRC unit. Most likely after Christmas as money starts to flow better.
As much as I would like to do Railsounds 4.0 I am hard pressed to spend $100.00 on two engines that I have a total investment in of $ 63.00 in. Don’t want to put too much perfume on a pig.[swg]
Tks,
Kev.