sound unit installation into P2K E8

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi all,

I’m looking for articles, parts recommendations etc. so that I can put sound into a P2K E8. It’s an older unit and hadn’t been designed with sound units in mind. Any way I can put sound into this model without removing much material from the frame would be great.

Thanks

Alvie

2

Well I do not recommend it, but MRC makes a drop in sound unit for the old P2K E units. I do NOT recommend that because MRC electronics have zero quality to them and they sound terrible. The reason I mention it is because they cost $80. To install good sound into that unit is going to cost more than $80. If one looks around one can get an E unit with factory installed sound for just a bit more. I recommend watching for the sales and finding one of the newer units with sound and selling the existing one. I think both financially and quality wise you will come out ahead.

Example: I just got a set of E7s (NYC 20th Century) from TrainWorld for $239 ($120 each).
The same company had BLI bluelines for $108 a couple weeks ago (I bought an D&RGW SD instead of an CB&Q E8 it was a tough choice). My point is that is only $40 more than the cost of a cheaper sound decoder.
Looking at their on line catalog I see they still have GN E7s for $125. http://www.trainworldonline.com/catalog/category/detail.php?id=31543&find_section=508

Plus there are tons on eBay.

3

I have a set of two AA sets and both have sound in them.

What I did was get a Soundtraxx micro decoder and put it on the back of the cab detail where it screws in to the frame and then but a speaker above the rear truck.It sounds real good because of the size of the speaker you can fit back there.

I hope this helps you out[:D]

4

This should help: Link

5

Thanks for posting the link as I have a fleet of 11 P2K E-units that I want to install in.

I’m waiting to read feedback about the soon to be released sound decoders:

Titan (from QSI)

V4.0 (from LokSound)

From what I’ve read of the “hoopla” these two will give Soundtraxx’s Tsunami a run for the money as far as sound scheme accuracy and quality.

6

Although this covers a P2K PA, it should also be relevent for E8s also: Link