Has anyone purchased the Walthers “lifelike” proto 2000 SW8/900 with DCC & Sound? I know it utilizes the QSI sound chip. They are currently selling for $99.98 through walthers or other dealers.
How is the sound quality?
And do the rubber traction tires cause a problem?
My layout is only 11X7 and I will only be pulling 6 or 7 cars max.
Thanks…
Bump…
The traction tires can cause a dead spot at turnouts. Mine did at some of my Atlas snap switches. I changed the traction tires to metal wheels and it helped a lot. I still have one turnout that acts up some time but I think the track isn’t as level at it should be at that point. If it runs thru at any speed other than its slowest it’s okay.
This loco runs nice will pull 6 or 7 cars okay on the flat. Don’t know about a grade. The engine is very light due to making room for the sound so that’s why the traction tires.
Call Walthers and they will send you metal wheels. They may also have other suggestions to help the operation. That’s really a good price. I wouldn’t pass that up. I paid about $170.
How is the sound?
I got one of the BLI switchers with sound and I believe the the Proto uses the same QSI board. I was surprised at the sound quality. The speakers are smaller than other BLI diesels like the E units, so they are not nearly as loud, but IMO all QSI’s need to be turned down anyway. Anyway, I am really happy with the sound from my BLI QSI equipped switcher so I would expect this one to be good as well.
The QSI sound on my P2K is good. It’s a little on the quiet side but I like it that way. I don’t know what level it’s set at as I haven’t tried to change it.
I personally don’t own one BUT a friend of mine in my club owns one. I had the chance to run it a few months ago and it runs very well. I don’t know how accurate the sound is but I thought it sounded great.
Thats good news becuase I went ahead and ordered one through my local hobby store. They gave me Walthers price of $99.98. They said they are still making money on it too. It must have been one hell uv a markup with the retail price at $209.99.
So I will wait on my Rapido $40 dollar MW passenger car and get it another time. The price is too good for this switcher.
I just saw this same switcher in the current issue of MR at “Trainworld” for $149.99! They don’t even come close to walthers sale price.
You better make sure that has DCC & sound because thats Walthers price for the plain dc engine?
It is. Look at their sale catalogue. Its states plainly, Includes DCC and QSI sound. I can’t wait.[dinner]