Have any of you guys heard the N scale sound decoders that you can put in Atlas engines. I might ask this for christmas and was wondering what it sounded like.
Thanks
dekruif
I was not aware that MRC was being used for the Atlas N scale, but if it is same sound as the Genesis MRC, you can kiss it off. Atlas uses QSI for their HO engines. Lets hope it is better.
MRC decoders, sound or not, are junk. The Loksound Micro is a very nice decoder, and although it is more expensive, you will be much happier with it.
There was a review about it in the December MR. You have to get the frame milled by aztec and then you can install the decoder.
-dekruif
Yes, MRC is making a sound decoder that will fit into an Atlas N-scale diesel engine, but is it going to be worth the price? First, you have the cost of the locomotive. The MRC decoder is an additional $84.98, and Aztec charges another $20 to mill out the frame.
I don’t know what is ‘worth it’, but the decoder looks like it can be had on the street for about $68, and it appears that it is possible (though I don’t know if it is practical or not, at this point) to do the frame modifications with a dremel and some patience http://www.nscalesupply.com/MRC/MRC-0001636.html . Since a ‘plain’ plug 'n play decoder would be say $25 you are paying $40-$60 for sound. Is it worth it? I have no idea, but it doesn’t see, out of line compared to HO sound. It is intriguing, at least. And if MRC can do it, you’d think Soundtraxx and Digitrax must be working on it. Which has to be a good thing for the N scale world.