Since I don’t visit the forum all that often, this may have already popped up … but has anybody any experience with the new MMI K-27 (On3 or )n30)? I understand that there is a problem with the sound if you aren’t using filtered DC. [PSC has a fix on the web site] DCC is supposed to be working fine and the sound is great (so they say) but I don’t know of an available decoder. Any recommendations? NCE is supposed to be creating one (D18SR-PSC) that will be plug-n-play but, I suspect, we may have to wait almost as long as we waited for the K-27!
First off, let me start this post by saying that the model is everything I expected and then some. It is stunning to look at from any angle, and although it’s an On30 version of what should be an On3, the fact that is has an outside frame configuration hides “flaw” this amazing well. As far as running the model on DC power, I can assure you there will be a lot of problems and fixes involved there. I only ran it a few feet on a piece of test track with a Spectrum power pack and heard nothing but garbled mess coming from the sound system. Under DCC power things are much better, but not perfect and I’m still fighting through some of the problems with this setup. I can say that the mechanism runs very nicely, although quieter in forward than reverse, I’m sure some break in time will help this. Keep in mind that the minimum 26" radius curve rule is not a lie. This is a big model by On30 standards, and it will need every bit of the 26" radius you can give it for proper operation.
My guess is that if you were willing to use the NCE decoder (I’m a Digitrax fan) you would have a very easy installation. As it stands with my model, I’m still having trouble getting all the function controlled sounds to work properly, but I’m hopeful. As an FYI, the sound system is actually pretty convincing. The chuff (which is driven by a cam setup) and air pumps sound good and the whistle and bell sound as if they were recorded off of a 1:1 K27!
I also use Digitrax but am willing to wait for the NCE plug-n-play (I’ve wired too many of the Bachman Mogul’s and I’m getting lazy). Tony’s Train exchange says the NCE decoders should be available this week.
Tried the beast out last night. It is a beautiful sight to behold but, even with an MRC Tech-3, the DC sound was pretty fuzzy. On the plus side it looks fantastic!