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Steam DCC causes re think!

Norton961

Entry posted by Norton961

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I recently (last week at S4 North) aquired an MPD 3F built in P4 and fitted with a sound chip from Digitrainsound Zimo specifically for a 3F with a sound file by Paul Chetter. Now whilst I have DCC/sound for most of my diesels I have never been impressed by the sound chips for steam locos, untill now! I was blown away by the sound and that when you turn of the power the loco coasts (no chuffing) before coming to a stop.
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I had considered just running the layout in Dc for the steam era and DCC for the diesels, but this sound chip is causing a major re think. The problem will now be fitting sound chips into locos that are complete and where there is no chance of putting a speaker in the tender. Paul Marshall Potter on his Albion Rd blog has fitted some chips into ex GWR Pannier tanks so I think further investigation will be required. I also see that people have fitted sound chips into the delightfull Hornby Peckett so if it goes into one of them then anything is possible.

 

The 3F since I aquired it has been renumbered (and re weathered to hid the shiny bits around the new number) to one of Shrewsburys allocation in the mid 1950s and the loco was photographed on the Coalport branch so I know it worked in my area.

 

This could be expensive!

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Dave Holt

Hi David.

In the upper 3F photo, was the centre driving wheel not sitting properly on the rail head? There looks to be a distinct deflection of the coupling rod. Otherwise, it looks as if the quartering might be a bit out.

 

Regarding Dc or DCC operation, in my view it's easy to arrange your layout to suit either. Wire the track for DC cab control but provide facilities to plug in either a DC controller or DCC command unit. For DCC use, you just switch on all the track section switches - that's what I've dome on Delph/Holt. I suggest two controller sockets as the DC and DCC systems might use different pins for the 16V AC out and two wires in to the track.

 

Dave.

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ROSSPOP
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Very nice and good you have found quality steam sound.

 

It was Digitrains and the mighty Zimo decoder that hooked me..........

 

Ex LMS as well....................................

 

 

I also re-thought and moved over to 7mm where Digitrains stuff sounds even better.........

 

 

 

Cheers

 

John

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Norton961

David, yes I noticed the misalignment of the coupling rods, I will have to do further checks. Yes I can't afford to fit DCC sound to all my locos so I still need to have both DC and DCC controllers for the layout. However I will certainly look at more Sound chips. The Digitrains ones certainly give me some thinking.

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Chamby
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Have you tried the Locoman 8F chip yet? That's a zimo and is the most realistic steam sound I have come across to date. It's a delight to drive. Phil.

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