I need help wiring sound for my two HO scale steams. One is a 2-6-0, and the other is a 0-6-0. The 0-6-0 has DCC on board, but the 2-6-0 does not. Does the 2-6-0 have to have DCC in order to have sound on it?
More info please. We cant help you with what you have given us.
Who makes the steam locomotives? What sound decoders do you want to use? What is your budget? Will you be running DC or DCC? What are your soldering skills?
David B
I’m running a DC layout. I’m willing to spend between $100 and $150 depending cost and if it’s worth it. I can solder pretty good. The 0-6-0 is a Mantua train. The 2-6-0 is an IHC engine. Both are HO scale. I’m not sure what kind of sound decoders I want
DC !.. You won’t be able to prgram the decoder. I’ve installed a couple of Tsunami tsu1000 in my IHC 2-6-0. Without DCC, I don’t see the point. You’re missing out on all the fun.
For aftermarket sound, I would have to advise you to move up to DCC. Not much, if anything, available for DC sound (unless you go with an antiquated PFM sound system).
If you were DCC, then you can go with a quality sound system like a Tsunami. With just DC, it aint worth the effort I’m afraid.
David B
If your locos draw less than 0.75 amp at 12 volts DC with locked rotor, you might consider the Micro-Tsunami. It is a little smaller than the standard Tsunami. Newer HO steam locos usually draw less current than that. I have the Micro in a Spectrum 4-4-0 and three Roundhouse steamers, two 2-6-0s and a 2-8-0… The decoder and speaker total around $130. The drawback is no eight pin NMRA plug on the decoder wiring. You have to solder one in yourself. I soldered in directly, no plug. Saves a little space. You have to find out if you have 1.5 volt lamps, LEDs or twelve volt bulbs.
Get a NCE Power Cab for around $130.00. This will allow programing the decoder.
Rich