hello i am wondering if there is a way to stuff a sound decoder into my n scale classic rs-11 . tsunami or loksound are the ones i would like to have. thanks.
I model in N scale myself, and I know that just getting a decoder into one of the Atlas Classic RS diesels is a bit of a challenge. What you’ll need is a frame that’s been modified to take a sound decoder, and a speaker. I’ve had success with some non-sound frames from Aztec Manufacturing http://www.aztectrains.com/ for the Atlas Classic GP7, and I know they do some sound frames - they might be worth checking out.
An RS11 is a small locomotive and a Tsunami Micro or a LokSound Micro are too big. Your only option is an MRC N scale sound decdoer…however, the MRC decoders are of horrible construction and are not reliable at all. Better to steer clear.
In your situation, I suggest buying a Tsunami decoder and placing it under the layout. Then have a normal decoder for your RS11 and have both decoders have the same address.
David B
If it’s one of the very old RS-11’s that were manufactured by Kato for Atlas, there’s actually quite a bit of room in there. The drive is the same as that used in the RS-3. Since the 11 has a full-height hood, there’s a good quarter inch of air in there.
But as David points out, that’s probably still not enough. Personally, onboard sound doesn’t do much for me. It’s fun for a bit, but then it becomes a distraction to the operator in my opinion. Instead of focusing on your train, your fumbling around with the buttons on the throttle to go chuff chuff ding ding…
My alternative is to keep a stereo in the train room, and listen to music that I like.
Lee