Now that the Walthers/Athearn phase V Amtrak P42’s are DCC ready, and now that Microscale has a decal set for these, I’m thinking of getting some.
But I’d like to go all out on these as they will be the main locos for me. So I’d like to put sound in at least one unit (planning on getting 3 since I’m running the Southwest Chief). Soundtraxx used to make a sound decoder for GE locos with a Nathan K5, but they have a sound only unit with this now…product number 825236
I’ve also found out that Loksound makes a suitable decoder for a P42, at least from what I can find…product number ESU72467
The horn sounds very good from the sound clip provided on the Soundtraxx website. I have not heard the Loksound decoder and without hearing it I’m not convinced the horn would be right for Amtrak.
Has anyone else added sound to an Athearn P42? Will Soundtraxx make an appropriate Tsunami diesel decoder, and if so do you think it will be worth the wait?
If I go with a sound only decoder, what is a good motor and light decoder to use with a Soundtraxx DSX? I guess the only special light feature I might need is flashing (alternating) ditch lights…although I’ve rarely seen the ditch lights on the Southwest Chief alternate, even at crossings and when blowing the horn.
So many questions, I know [sigh]
But if anyone can help with anything, or at least give me some suggestions or tips I would really appreciate it.
I had Bruce at Litchfield Station put a Loksound and K5 file in a P42 about a year ago. It sounds fine if the speaker is mounted properly. The small twin speaker does not produce a very loud output, fine for my room, maybe not for a large clubroom.
I had a chance to compare it with the engine bringing me back from Phily/NMRA, and the pitch of the notes was the same, except for a slight deviation of the second-highest pitch note, hardly noticable.
The Nathan K5LA is the correct horn sound for Amtrak’s streamlined GEs. Samples of what a K5 sounds like can be heard on www.dieselairhorns.com .
Hal brings up an interesting point. Often there are very “subtle” differences in sound witihn the same exact horn class.
Railroads, including Amtrak, don’t always maintain their horns in top condition so a slightly fouled bell (trumpet) or worn out diaphram will slightly change the horn’s sound character. I’ve noticed this with the Amtrak Silver Star, which passes near my neighborhood. On certain P42s the K5LA horns sound clear and melodic, while with some others the sound is “foggy” or harsh.
Funny thing is that while the K5 series horn is considered by many as a “sweet sounding” horn (yes me too [{(-_-)}]); let just one or two of the bells become extremely clogged. Those puppies utter a gut wrenching “squeal” that will send railfans running for ear plugs! [:O]
Hal, since you say only one note is off I bet it’s perfect for either NS or CSX (not all bells face forward like Amtrak). But then again, if it’s only one note off, then I can probably live with it. Maybe even the P42 you heard was one note off, as AntonioFP45 notes, no one Amtrak horn I’ve ever heard is exactly the same. Birds and other junk foul the bells and make for some unique horns.
You can upload your own sounds to a Loksound decoder correct? If so, I’m being too paranoid about the horn since I could always upload a sound clip of my own…if I get the computer interface adapter.
But the more I read about it, Loksound seems to be the way to go.
Almost forgot!!
I’ve read that there is an issue with alternating ditch lights and Loksound. However I’ve seen a few technical manuals on how to set this up. A P42 would need alternating ditch lights as an option so this is very important.
Recently a friend of mine edited and uploaded a Leslie RS5-T horn into the Lok Sound decoder he installed in an Athearn SD45-2. I was absolutely floored by how great it sounded!
I’m really looking forward to having sound in my units.
In Tampa, FL, the P42’s ditch lights alternately flash at the crossings. I recommend the Loksound decoder, because you can get the actual GE engine sounds that are accurate for the P42. Also the horn is customizable where with Soundtraxx you are substituting. Loksound’s motor control is the best available.
BTW, I’m AntonioFP45’s friend; I created a Leslie horn sound from an actual recording of the real thing; the sound is more realistic than the Loksound sample. The feature set from the ESU decoders set them apart from most (Digitrax sound decoder can be customized as well but you get only 3 simultaneous sounds instead of four and there is less memory).
Have you considered the Digitrax SFX? Downloadable, inexpensive and available.
Just a thought…
And I have done alot of horn work. If you find a horn recording that you really like, I can splice it for you so itll work with the Loksound or the SFX.