MRR product review did not seem too thrilled with the sound system on the PCM T1 8-4-8.I want to get a undecorated model and letter it for NYC.Would there be any downside to getting the model without the sound system and have Tony’s Trains install a Tsunami sound unit?
Lettering for NYC - bad idea - get a BLI Niagara if you want a NYC 4-8-4.
The issue MR had was with the whistle, it is not “playable”. The Europeans still have not figured this out, but are getting better at it. If having a playable whistle is important to you, go for the DCC ready version. If it is not, save your money, and get the factory equipped sound system.
To be able to use a playable whistle, you need a DCC throttle that has the features to control it properly, most low end throttles do not.
Big downside is that the Tony’s installation is going to cost more $$$
I find the whistle to be “late” probably because it is a recording instead of a pure computer generated for as long as you (Or short) hold the whistle button. Ive had run the unit on the DCC and found that I have to blow the whistle early to complete the needed crossing in time. The BLI PRR M1a that was produced some time ago is much more responsive.
anyways if you visted www.youtube.com and did a search for CounterHeavy you will find alot of Reading T-1 videos but the whistle on those are really weak and incorrect rambles as it is hauling freight.
That whistle has since been fixed. I may produce a workbench video now that my camcorder has been cleaned.
Get a NYC Niagra 4-8-4. It is a fine engine. And better fit for your desire for a NYC engine.
hehe someone else trying to discourage his sacrilege in defacing a Reading loco with NYC lettering [:D][:D][:D]
I’ll admit, i was shocked when I read that review, rest assured the Loksound 3.5 decoders do NOT have fixed length whistles like the Trix Mike or the old MRC decoders. It blows as long or as short as you hold the function key!
I wonder if the difference is in the systems used - if tested in the MR offices it was most likely run with a CVP Easy-DCC system, vs. my Digitrax. Not only is th whistle duration under my ocntrol, but it also has a half-way implementation of what is really meant by a ‘playable whistle’ (the new Tsunami REALLY has a playable whistle), in that I can control the loudness by how hard I press the button on my DT400. That only seemed to work on the stock multichime whistle that was on F2, F4 ad the freight whistle which I swapped to F2 since I model an in-service unit, and that one did not offer the varying loudness. I guess I need the Loksound Programmer to do more than swap the functions around.
–Randy
Well, I cannot be the one to cast the first stone, I lettered mine using a Western Maryland Champs decal set. I suppose I can justify that by saying there are no 400 dollar 4-8-4 Potomacs in Plastic with DCC and Sound. =)
I dont know why I said “Go get a Niagra for NYC!” anyways.
Bottom line, I find the whistle to be a minor issue that really does not take anything away from the T-1. It is a fine engine that requires a bit of room to run and quite eager to run a average train over the railroad.
If they have one, and if you think you wouldn’t mind doing as the others have suggested, go to Outlet Direct and get a refurbished/refused S1b from BLI. Outlet Direct repairs faulty locos and resells them fully warranted, but they also resell locos refused by customers who found the box damaged upon receipt. There could also be some factory seconds. However, I have purchased a Niagara and just recently a PRR J1. Both look brand new, are in A-1 condition, and run like charms.
Really nice lines on the Niagara, and it’ll pull the tracks up behind it if you want it to.
ACK! [:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]
OK, at least the WM had a Reading connection. Supposedly Crossline trains found their way onto the WM via Lurgen with T-1’s pulling them, although not lettered for WM!
It’s OK, I cheat too. I’m modeling approximately 1956 (anything before the completion of the Blandon Low-Grade line) an dby that time the only palce to find a T-1 was up in Coal Country. And in fact the unit I have would have been working somewhere on the PRR, getting trashed [:p]
–Randy
Tony’s Trains also has a review of the PCM T1, you might have read it already.
Tony’s is a good place to use for the installation if you don’t feel good about doing it youself.
OK…I’m going to compromise.As selector suggest, i’ll try the BLI Outlet Direct for a NYC Niagara …But,I’m also going to get a T1.I just like the "look"of it.The Niagra is a beautiful model,but most of the plumbing is hidden under sheating.I really like the look of engines that show a lot of pipeing and valves and things like elsco feedwater heaters etc.
Enjoy!