I have several new locos in the mail to me. I would like to get the jump on ordering decoders and speakers since I have a 3-4 week time lag in delivery once I open the shells to measure and then order. Usually I use Soundtraxx.
What would be a good 3-way decoder for the Spectrum 3-truck shay? I haven’t seen a complete web page example of this installation. What size of speaker would fit in one of the tenders? Anybody do one of these?
Also, what is a possible speaker size for P2K GP 18 and 30? I suppose more is possible if the “fuel tank” weight is milled out, but I prefer to stick something in the cab if I can…like a GP7 that I enclosed a 3/8" speaker in one side of the cab after removing one driver figure. Seems to work well, but that’s a little on the small speaker side for my taste.
SoundTraxx used to make a sound decoder specifically for the Bachmann Spectrum 3-truck Shay. A 3/4 inch speaker is the largest you can fit into it, and the sound volume is disappointing with such a small speaker. Check SoundTraxx, Tony’s Train Exchange, Loy’s Toys, Litchfield Station, or other DCC specialty house to see if this decoder is still available.
I have no experience with P2K diesel sound installs, so I can’t help you on that.
For the P2K GP-18 The only place you’ll have room to put anything will be in the space under the short end of the loco shell,assuming you bought the high nose version. The fuel tank area is out because that is where the motor mounts are. You may be able to mill out the weight over the rear power truck but it will cost you in traction. I’ll look at mine again with a more critical eye,but as of now I’m gonna put a DH123 in and call it good.