I recently purchased a “Blue Line UP EMD SD-40-2 w/ sound” locomotive. While I love the overall make-up of the body, I am not pleased, at all, with the sound. I am running a DC layout. I assume that part of my problem is not having DCC. Oh, I also purchased the DC Master controller needed to operate and program sounds for BL locomotives.
I run both Burlington Northern and Union Pacific on my layout. I have a variety of EMD’s and GE’s. Honesty I am more of a GE fan. I think they look way better, and sound way better. I also love the K5LLA horn too…
I am looking for feedback on a GREAT GE locomotive w/ sound to buy,(preferably BN, or BNSF) that I can use on my DC layout.
Gracias
Welcome,
You have come to the right place. Intermountain Railway will be releasing the GE ES44AC and the ES44DC in the spring and summer. Atlas will be releasing the Dash 8-40CW next month.
Hope this helps.
Thanks alot my friend. That is what I’m looking for…
What is it you do not like about the sound of the Blue Line? To high pitch, rattles, or to loud? I have 3 Blue lines and I like there sound system. I have 2 GE AC 6000’s and a RSD-15 which seemed from there site to sound a lot like your SD 40-2.
You can change there pitch, it is CV 188. After changing this CV my 6000’s sound different from each other.
If it rattles, turn down the sound, or check to see if the speakers as sucked up any rail spikes. Mine found ever lose spike there was on my layout.
Cuda Ken
Hi!
Just to add the inevitable comment…
My first BLI HO Paragons (4) were bought when I was running DC. I also had the “DC Controller” and found that sound operation was just not to my liking. However, it did whet my appetite!!! My new layout (under construction) is DCC and the sound operation is really nice. In fact, when I blow the whistles or horns for grade crossings, a smile always comes over my 65 year old face.
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
I had a BLI SD 40-2 and was quite happy with its performance both running and sound. I had installed a Digitrax decoder and tweaked the CV´s a little to adapt the sound to my liking - worked well!
per cudaken: Thanks for the info on the “cv”… I might also be doing something wrong when I program. For one, the manual says that when the loco receives the program that you send to it, that a horn will sound. My loco starts up, idles for a second, then shuts down EVERY time I try to program something into it. Also, I don’t think I am working the volume correct. It says that if you set it at 2, you will have to double click it 8 times. Does this sound right, cause every time I try, it just mutes, so I set it to a different value and get the same results. I’m pretty sure I haven’t been able to add volume. I hate to sound ignorant, but I think I might be. [bow]
I have never had or read about the Train Master because I am DCC. On the volume, you have to push the button (in my case F 8) twice real fast, or it will just mute like yours is doing now. Each time you push the button it will go up or down one volume setting. I think the max is 8 volume settings. If you are at max then it goes down, if it is at a lower level it goes up.
On not being able to send commands, your decoder could be locked. Look at page 14 where it talks about reading CV. It does state this applies when you have a DCC decoder installed. But, worth reading, it could have something to do with it. In this case, your best bet would be to call there tech department. Good folks there.
I am 95% sure onces you get thing figured out you will be happy with your SD 40-2. Later you might look at there GE AC 6000, I have one in UP colors and it will pull 60 cars.
Good luck and wish I could be of more help.
Cuda Ken
Oh yes, the GE AC6000… I am trying to get my hands one as we speak. I have a couple hobby shops trying for me. I found a couple on ebay, but they are asking $225 plus shipping. Probably worth it though. The sound of the Paragon2 AC6000 actually, and honestly takes my breath away. The horn is very nice, but the way that motor sounds when it goes by, wow, talk about prototypical… Hopefully I will have one in the next few weeks. Preferably UP too.
Any chance you will sell yours, or know where I should be looking?
I strongly recommend Ulrich Models, I have bought from Steve several and he is top notch. I had some problems and he went way and above the call of duty to help me out. I did take a look at what he has for sell, no GE AC 6000’s.
http://www.ulrichmodels.biz/servlet/the-Locomotives--dsh--HO-Scale-cln-Broadway-Limited-cln-Diesel/Categories
He all so has some MTH models, not sure how they would work your Train Master.
He has fair prices, and ships fast.
Will be hanging on to the UP 6000 for now.
Cuda Ken