So I picked up a Digitraxx Sound/Function Decoder for an Ac4400. I purchased it thinking it would go into the Athearn KcS 4400 I had just purchased. Well when I got home, I realized it was specifically for a Kato 4400. No worries, I only paid $40 for it (it was on sale). I figured I could pick up a Kato diesel (Newer GE series) and toss it in there. Well…Kato 4400’s are a tad rare it seems on eBay. So do you guys think that placing it in any modern Diesel (SD 60/70) or say a Dash-9 would be awkwardly incorrect? The decoder was a swell deal, and I don’t want to waste it. I guess I’m asking if you guys think it’s too specific to place in a different type of locomotive, or if most modern diesels sound similar enough for it not to matter too much. Wow, that was harder to articulate than I thought. [:D]
That’s up to you and how particular you are about the sounds being accurate. An AC4400 is a General Electric locomotive and an SD60/70 is an Electro Motive product. The prime movers are significantly different from different manufacturers.
I’d shelve it, you never know then you may come across a nice Kato! I have a bunch, & bought that same decoder/sound system, only to find out the intended victim was older & didn’t have the speaker box (cored) tank! Opps… It was going to be a scratchbuilt dandy that would have been nice idling on display. I do 3 thinks when looking at Kato’s;
Look for moulded in windsheild wipers, -somewhat older, no speaker boxes or fitment (usually)
I look at part numbers, in HO 37-xxxx was mid range, some have molded wipers[early], & some [later] ones have plug in add-on wipers.
the ones with the plug in Wipers will usually have speaker enclosures. Yes, you may be able to see the molded wipers -OR- the holes for the add on wipers in the box without removing it. So please ask if you can look at the open box if you are in person, or can tell on a website picture.
I like Kato’s, I have about 10+ SD40-2’s in various mods awaiting paint & a few -9’s also awaiting paint. I recently began to appreciate newer Atlas models & with few detail parts, you can have stellar models. Both mfg’s are excellent runners, quiet, & strong pullers, in my experience.
hI started back into the hobby with some Athearn RTR (they fit my budget, and the road I was looking for). Like I said though, I purchased the wrong decoder. Now, later into my journey I’ve run Kato, mth, and Athearn. My last Athearn purchase was a lemon, coming with a broken wiring harness, and incorrect wheels. I’ve sinced replaced both. Just my short term experience that other brands work better. With that decoder, it seems like an opportunity to get a better locomotive with sound at a fair price. maybe I’ll shop around some more. Thanks guys!
Also, & I forgot to mention, EMD/GMDD, & GE, (&/or others… Alco, etc.) All have different sounds due to their prime (mover) engines of use, choice, & time-line)… This is why you see so many choices from ‘good’ decoder mfg’s. They will try their best to ‘fit’ a system to a specific locomotive. An example is a Tsunami SD38-2 vs. an SD40-2 version. The '38 is not turbocharged & should have loud, throughty, exhaust bark, compared to a turbo '40… That is within EMD/GMDD, when comparing it to a GE, the base engine (prime mover) is entirely different.
Please consider Kato & newer Atlas, they are superior in detail & very workable, let alone affordable. I do have plenty Athearn (their Genisis series is really nice!! & close to above quality) & won’t diss them much, but the Kato detail cleans house… However, to be fair I’m comparing an est. 1990 Ath Blue Box CP SD40-2 (wire walkway rails) to a pre mid (correct length, [not the SD45 shared chassis Kato] & new ‘Mid-Prod’ Kato SD40-2).
Please see if you can find a dealer that has some of both on hand & compare yourself.
Buy what ‘you’ want & what ‘you’ like, after all ‘you’ know how it fits ‘your’ railroad!!! Enjoy!