On a separate thread we were discussing “disposable” engines and possibly going “conventional” when PS1 or other boards fry. In the latest Williams add they offer $25 horn/whistle system and $25 reverse board. Has anyone tried these and if so how well did they work and sound?
Jim H
The horn and whistle is the same one used in all their diesels. In my opinion, the horn is a little weak. I have a set of UP Alcos and while I’m a little disappointed in the horn (although it is growing on me) The bell is awesome. It’s good and loud. We can hear it over the din of wheels on noisy FasTrack quite clearly.
We also have a Williams 671 steamer. The whistle/bell is the same as all their other steamers. Ours sounds pretty good. The bell isn’t nearly as loud as the deisel’s though.
For $25, you really can’t go wrong.
Jim
Just as an aside, I haven’t received the latest Williams flyer yet. But I did get a chance to view it in PDF form by downloading it from their web site.
Jim
At one time, Williams had audio samples of their horn, bell whistle and also the True Blast sounds… don’t know if those are still there since Williams has been altering their website.
For the money, the Williams boards are certainly a deal. But I for one, have never understood the necessity of on-board sound on every single locomotive, especially on smaller layouts.
For table top sized layouts, I think the MRC Sound Stations are the best deal and the most bang for the buck. You could add other speakers the enhance or increase the sound. Likewise, I always thought the MRC Sound and Power style power packs were a nifty idea. Granted, you don’t get the individual sounds and the diversity. But I can’t imagine it’s too pleasing to the ears to hear several locomotives going at once, all with sounds in full tilt at the same time.
For most modelers I imagine (though I know some will take issue) the idea of sound is just one more enhancement to the hobby. As the majority of modelers are not as demanding on precise scale detail, I wonder if most 3-rail train operators would really recognize the difference between the various prototypical sounds of real locomotive.
And for as often as I have hung around train yards with running trains, I have yet to hear the voices of the engineer or the man in the caboose saying the track is clear from standing some distance from the actual caboose or the rumbling motor sounds of the locomotive. The various CrewTalk effects are just one more enhancement to the PLAY element of the hobby - but hardly prototypical in reality.
I bought one of the MRC Sound Stations on Brianel’s recommendations. It’s very nice for the price. I paid $45 for ours. I’d like to add more speakers and mount them above and around the layout. Presently, the two small speakers sit below the layout and can hardly be heard over the FasTrack. I wonder if any one here has added speakers to that unit, and if so, was it worth it?
Sound is a huge play value enhancement on our layout. Thr Railsounds are very nice, but we also enjoy hearing the mechanical whistles just as much. Too bad MRC can’t figure out a way to make those work with their transformers.
Jim
Thanks for the idea on the MRC Sound station. I will try to pick one up.
Jim H
Have a MRC sound station with some questions about it but will post as a new topic.
Ole
Will the williams horn & e- unit boards work with traditional Lionel engines??? Easter
The reverse unit will only work with locos with DC can motors. The horn unit will work with anything providing it fits in the shell.
Dale Hz
I’ve been using Williams boards(E-unit) as my MTH boards go bad for quite a while now.They are user friendly and work all the time.I don’t want sound in all of my engines but MTH does not give me that option.I buy them used and when I have a problem they get a williams board.I haven’t yet had a Lionel board go bad but I guess they would work there too. For the cheaper Lionel units it’s cheaper to just use a standard Lionel Board # 600-0103-001.This is for “DC” motors only.
Ed
Does anyone make an electronic e-board that works with an ac motor??? Thanks Easter
A universal motor will run on DC but will not reverse when the polarity of the voltage reverses. However, you can add that necessary feature to get it to behave more like a permanent-magnet-field DC motor, which is what the can motors are. Just wire the armature or the field through a bridge rectifier. Since the field coil is usually connected to the frame, the armature is the more convenient choice. In most locomotives, you can mount the rectifier by its leads right on top of the motor.
Thanks. Easter
Lionel makes a reverse board for pullmore motors. Williams reverse boards are rated at 6 amps,dont know if they would handle 2 pullmore motors.
Dale Hz
I have the new circuit board, speaker,etc, that was just recently removed from my Williams Southern E-7 for replacement with TA’s TM/RS.
If someone needs it you’re welcome to it–first e-mail gets it.
Hi Leonard,
I just sent you an e-mail. Thanks!
I don"t know the number but DALEE makes a board that will work with the AC motors.
Ed