I have an older Bachmann Spectrum 2-6-6-2 loco, no sound.
I have previously added an NCE D13SRP decoder to this Mallet.
Now, I want to add sound.
Looking for something that faithfully reproduces the original sound on the prototype.
Any recommendations?
Rich
SoundTraxx Tsunami Heavy Steam decoder.
I ask Litchfield Station about my 2-6-6-2 and the guy there said the “QSI Titan U” had a good sound for that engine. It is supposed to have good low speed characteristics. My engine came with sound but I have never liked the OEM sound.
Good luck.
Lee
Unless you have heard a 2-6-6-2, faithful will depend on others interpretation of what they might have heard.
You probably can modify the sounds for two sets of drivers but one set of drivers slipping, you cannot. Both sets of drivers are geared to one motor. The whistles, no idea.
Don’t forget, you are trying to hear prototype sounds from a 28mm diameter speaker.
SoundTraxx Tsunami CV’s have a lot of different possibilities.
Below is a link to the SoundTraxx site for decoder selection which includes Bachmann possibilities.
There are many sounds you can download and listen to.
I just looked at the diagram for this loco and it is ready for a 28mm round speaker. Unplug the present decoder and plug in your decoder of choice. Figure out where to stick the capacitor that is attac hed by two wires. You can shorten the wires.
On the “Bachmann PC board”, cut out the capacitors. The capacitor or capacitors with hav
Thanks for the replies so far, guys.
My problem is that I have never heard the actual sound of the steam whistle on a 2-6-6-2, so I am clueless in this regard.
Any other suggestions or comments?
Rich
Rich,
I’m hearing the QSI Titan is the best sound decoder for steam. And it comes with 2 speakers if you order from Tony’s. For stereo sound. Call Tony’s and ask them, they are very helpful in explaining technology of the sound decoders.
That’s what I’m getting for my recently acquired UP 4-8-4 and the new Bachman EM-1.
Someone in these forums has put the 21 pin QSI into the EM-1. The EM-1 comes with one speaker, even if no decoder yet. Look in the Model Railroader, General Discussions for EM-1 discussions for the link the Bachmann forums.
I would have to hear two Bachmann locos next to each other, one with QSI and one with Tsunami to determine Best. Even then Best for me might be different than Best to someone else.
I use QSI and Tsunami decoders. I just fine tune them to suit me. I don’t count all the rivets.
Rich
Wouldn’t the 2-6-6-2 have a somewhat unique sound than other steamers, acting as a coal drag?
Rich
I’m with the other guys, I used a Soundtraxx decoder in my C&O 2-6-6-2. I have done several installs of various speakers with their decoders and can try to find some pics if that helps. As far as sound goes, you can tweek the sound to your liking but remember it’s never going to sound like on rolling by you in real life. Just remember articulated engines have 4 sets of cylinders and not 2 so you can adjust the Tsumani’s to get that sound.
I’m sure QSI makes a good one too, though never have tried one… yet. 
Dano, thanks for that, it is helpful.
Rich