I wish I had been down here when they still had some passenger trains. With the exception of a couple of special runs, like the Copper Canyon train which is basically a tourist operation, passenger traffic doesn’t exist here anymore.
But back to the original thread, I’m going to get an MRC Sound Station. With my little 3’x 6’-8" semi-portable layout that will probably be all I’ll need. I’m in N scale, and not using DCC, so sound in locos isn’t an option for me.
In any case, it will be better than blowing on that little wood loco whistle I bought.
egmurphy, I booked my Piedras Negras- -Mexico City- -Guadalajara round trip in August of 1993. I had a full bedroom in a smooth side B & O veteran (pullman built) 80 ft. car. Between the time of buying the tickets and our departure, N de M discontinued dining and club car service. Big disappointment as the catered meals (in room) were something between “mystery meat” and “road-kill!” The Mex. City- -Guadalahara leg was as beautiful as the Texas (Eagle Pass) to Mexico City was bland. I’m not sorry for the experience. Hey it was railroading.
The MRC Sound Station should be ideal for your Pike. I admire the pix of your work, very nice. I’m into an HO garage layout, so a slight “time-delay” effect makes some sense. I coordinated a “timed” casette tape from station crowd noises (departure) through five minutes of road sounds (accelerating to sustained 70 m.p.h.), then decleration to a dead stop (arrival) at the next station. My car (Mexico) was too far back in the 22 car consist to pick up the loco’s air chime, so I did “sound on sound” (over-dubbing) for that effect. I do “shifting” chores in the yard whilst the passenger train completes its’ cycle. Mind you, this is only for when I have guests. Otherwise, I play a tape of random typical effects you would expect to hear around trains, street cars and traffic, seperately and simultaneously (a real “din”). Surround-sound really isn’t practical for my size layout. For a large [long main line] Pike, I enthusiastically recommend it. Hasta la Vista y adios. Good luck to you Ed.
The past BLI sale prices have made me chance waiting for the sale instead of getting the model when it first comes out. BLI engines in general are worth the money, but most of their models have been discounted greatly by BLI just to move the remaining stock. They are bringing in more items that the market will purchase and the stock must be moved to allow them the ca***o bring in the next items.
Your problem might be not getting the exact road number or name you want, but you can save much money by waiting. Good luck on getting the one you want.
I have been using the MRC Sound Station for over a year now, and had a lot of fun with it. I purchased the BLI SD40-2 as soon as it came out. I’m giving my Sound Station to my brother. MR had an article recently about sound systems, and installing these babies is no cakewalk. BLI has done an excellent job, and I can’t wait till the AC6000 and the C30-7 comes out. Atlas has a CW40-8, B40-8, and a SD24 on the way. I have the Sidekick programmer which will work with all current QSI sound systems. I’ll probably purchase the Quantum Engineer when it is released because each function has it’s own button. With the Sidekick, you hold down the horn button while increasing the throttle. After the voice from the engine tells you that you’re in the programming mode, holding the horn button down will take you through the options. When you get to the option you want to change, let off the button and press it again to make your changes. To return to normal operation, turn the throttle off. Throttle back up and you’re running. My layout sounds like a real railroad now. You won’t regret purchasing one of these.
I have just returned to the hobby this last December. Never even cared about sound. Then I went to the local train store. WOW has this hobby changed. Sound is incredible. But to get the engine I wanted, steam of course, and the DCC was going to cost over $1G and that was for 1 engine. I wrote about it here on the trains forum. A great guy sent me his sound system. Incredible, and my son, daughter and I make lots of noise all the time. I do appreciate no sounds when they are not out there, but when they are the looks on their faces is awesome.
Ted great job, and like it has been said
If it makes you happy, its good. [:D][:)][:)][:)][:)]