Ok, so I’ve been shopping on M. B. Klein, for about the past two weeks for stuff to start my first layout. So far I’ve gotten some beginner stuff as far as track is concerned, and a DCC system (Bachmann Dynamis to be exact). Now, that website is GOOOOOOD, let me tell ya! (You probably already know) Theres a proverbial “but” in here though. As far as DCC locomotives go, they seem to be all sold out of the Class I’s road names. I admire the D&RGW, and the BN’s of the world, but I’m going for something a little more modern, since I can’t seem to find any IC loco’s that are DCC w/ Sound. Particularly, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and BNSF.
ANYWAY, my question is, is there anywhere else where I can find variety of Class I’s Loco’s that are DCC Equipped with sound?
It’s getting closer to Christmas and it’s crunch time, (I’ve been given orders to have my list made by the 12th) SO, any suggestions you can throw my way would help a ton!
Can you narrow down your list? There is a wealth of locos with sound, but you need to specify era, road and such. I have no idea if you are looking for an F unit or a AC6000CW.
Oh, yessir, 8-40CW’s, AC6000CW’s, GP38’s, and SD40-2’s. I’ve pretty much settled on a modern day (90’s - Present Day) mix CSX and Norfolk Southern mix. Unless of course I could locate some Illinois Central Loco’s, about the time they went into the “Fallen Flag” status.
I’ve seen a good deal of Bachmann units under $50, but they’re all without sound and have an odd whining noise when being ran, at least from what I can tell on YouTube. I don’t know if thats because they’re cheaper or not, but I’m willing to spend a little money if I have to.
Hate is too strong an emotion to waste on unimportant things. I reserve it for people who are trying to kill me…
If I was waiting for my road name of choice to show up in the RTR or pre-painted kit market, I’d probably see an ice age in Hades first. People like me (freelance road name and herald) learn to use decals or - heavens to murgatroyd - hand-letter their rolling stock.
As for the rolling stock, with very few exceptions it has to be heavily kitbashed if not built from scratch.
OTOH, I don’t even have to worry about road name or herald for my Class 1 connection. There wasn’t any that could be seen without a magnifying glass in 1:80 scale. When your prototype is a nationalized monopoly, you can get away with that.
Ehh, call me lazy or apprehensive, but I don’t think I’m ready to cross over into airbrushing territory. I’m just now really getting into the hobby, and trying to feed the need until I aqquire some more space to get going on a nicer, more deatailed layout. I appreaciate the advice though!
You are going to have to look into installing your own sound. In that case, you find any rtr that suits you and buy the sound chip. Which sound chip? Well, then entirely depends on which rtr you have bought.
This is a hobby for patient people. You don’t need everything right now. Wait and watch. Things show up. They disappear, and then show up again. Sometimes the prices go up; sometimes they go down.
We change our minds. Most of us have a bunch of stuff we bought years ago, which we’ve never found a place for on our layouts. It looks like a great deal when we buy it, but is it really a great deal if it’s still in its box after 5 years? Don’t get too far ahead of yourself.
Any train shows in your area? They are fun to go to, even if you don’t buy anything. Some will have great bargains, and some will not. But, there will always be a lot of stuff that you won’t find online.
www.trainworld.com. Their web site is terrible. You have to call them to ask about what road names are available. If you call, have your credit card ready - they like to do business efficiently. Some people think their phone style is rushed and impersonal, but I grew up a few miles from them, so I’m used to that New York style. If they have what you want, it will probably be at the lowest available price. And, unlike many e-tailers, everything is actually in stock, right there in the building. If you call before dinner time, your order goes out the door that night. My last order showed up at my house outside of Boston the next day. And that was just plain low-cost UPS brown shipping.
Since the OP originally looked for IC engines apprpriate for the 1970s - Trainworld lists a U30B in Illinois Central colors with DCC and sound in their proto blowout section:
Yeah, I’ve come to that realization. I do a lot of maintenance on laundry equipment, so I’m going to take a stab at installing a decoder. It can’t be that hard… right? Hah.
In not appearing to rush you, Murray, I am reminded of what I used to tell my kids when they were easing into life - just jump in a give it a try - then persevere until you become comfortable with your new found abilities. Nothing breads confidance more than a bit of sucsess.