Need DCC sound for my 2-6-0

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

Hi

I’m repairing this little 2-6-0 and I’m trying to find an economical decoder for it. I looked at Tonys’ Trains and Litchfield and found only diesels. It may be that I don’t know how to use the search function.
anyway any help would be appreciated.

Lee

2

The Litchfield site has many diesel and steam options. Look carefully and click on the selection option . Take your time.

You did not mention brand, approximate age of loco, scale of loco? Is it DCC ready?

I use the Micro Tsunami in my Roundhouse and Spectrum steamers. 4-4-0, 2-6-0, 2-8-0, 4-6-0.

Rich

3

Try Ulrich Models Hobby Store in Colorado. Click on Soundtraxx Sound Decoders in the left-hand column. Then scroll down to the Tsunami steam selection(s).

http://www.ulrichmodels.biz/servlet/StoreFront

Also check out Empire Northern Models in Webster, New York:

http://www.empirenorthern.com/category/MS15/Soundtraxx-Tsunami-Steam/1.html

Here’s a link to the Tsunami decoders on Litchfield Station’s web site.

http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=999003036&cat=116&page=1

4

Price is one of my problems. The loco is HO and I thought I had seen sound decoders for less than $50.
Since it is not a high dollar unit I would like to keep the price down.

Thanks

Lee

5

Only an MRC or Digitrax SoundFX can be had for that price. Both have some drawbacks – MRC has major problems with reliability and Digitrax has weak volume.

I put a SoundTraxx Sound Only decoder into an HO scale IHC 2-6-0 Mogul that had electrical pickups on the tender trucks for a backup light and no connections to the locomotive. The loco got a separate TCS T-1 in the boiler. Getting the sound synchronized with the drive wheels was a major PITA, though. If I had to do it over, I’d use miniature magnets on the tender wheels and a reed switch connected to the sound decoder’s chuff trigger lead.

6

Never, ever skimp on a sound decoder. You want something in there that makes you smile when you run it…not something that leaves you wanting more.

Save up for the Tsunami Micro.

David B

7

Digitrax does have a new line of low-end sound-and-motor decoders. I haven’t tried one myself, or even seen or heard one. From what I’ve read here, though, the N-scale ones have weak volume and they don’t sound very good. The HO-scale ones are OK. The difference is in the size.

Anyway, you should easily get the HO one in the tender of your 2-6-0. These decoders come with speakers, but one low-cost improvement you can make is a better speaker.

But, heed David’s words, too. I bought an IHC Mikado at a show for a great price last year, and ended up spending more for a Tsunami than I did for the engine. And you know what? It was worth it.