zr2498

Looking forward to the demo at Doncaster. I am suprised there is room for two speakers even though they are smaller than the Cavalex factory fitted.

Nor me, but I would like an uodate on the 30 sound project as still have a 30 without sound on order as well.

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With little upgrades, such as resized speaker socket because of naughty ESU 🙂

It goes to show how each of the different diesel engines and ancillary sounds are best represented by tailored decoder sound files / speaker set ups. It is not a case of one size fits all. Clearly the new ESU passive radiator speaker suits the 56, whereas when watching a video sound comparison of Accurascale 37s by Richard of R & R, the EM1 / Accurathrash came out better than the new ESU speaker. I am still debating the need to remove the sugar cube on the ACC 37 as I needed to reduce volume anyway to best match my room size. Speaker technology has really come on in recent years, and now with ESU facility for treble and base tuning we are getting HiFi on wheels.

'Plug and play' - with solder - no problemo.

Thanks for info. Ordered the Cavalex sound files decoder from R & R. Having already one factory fitted sound 56, I knew what I would be getting 🙂 Had to go elswhere for the speaker as in big demand I guess.

If I am correct, my understanding is that a sound decoder with factory sound files will become available at some stage. I am sure that those who were not quick enough with the models already sound fitted will be welcoming this. Roads and rails are offering this already, however the ESU passive radiator speaker may be out of stock (for now). There is an alternative offering from DC Kits, which has been developed specifically for the Cavalex 56. This appears to have covered most of the existing functionality of the factory sound project, in particular the lighting options, but with differences leaning towards their usual format. Has anyone gone down the DC Kits route? I would be intersted to know how the sound project compares.

I don't see any retailers in Romania!?

Oh dear - just placed second order with you guys. Hopefully the sound decoders won't be too long.

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That's great to hear as I have waited too long to order a second sound version. Can I assume that the ESU speaker will also be available at the same time?

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Any chance of a sound demo on U Tube?

Received 56070 today via Ultimate MR. Very well packaged, fast delivery time, and just on test (running in), before adding the HAAs. I have to say this model has superb quality and detail. It's clear that Cavalex have really gone to town on the research and design to give us a model setting very high standards. The sound project is excellent, and this time I did not need to look for the brake function as the response enables sufficient control without it. The new ESU speaker really suits this sound project with a wide ranging frequency response. I might have to get another, even though it is stretching my modelling era.

Sorry if this sounds obvious but those plugs will only fit one way round. I am sure you have it correct but just in case?

A chance for a little Class 56 indulgence. I requested permission from Lineside Video Productions, to put a link to their U-tube video of this programme. For those that have not ordered yet, perhaps this, along with the pictures and sounds of the model, will wet the appetite.

Here is a tech drawing of the 56. The centre of the front wheel axle looks to be slightly behind the door hinge but in front of the hand rail. The steps are certainly set back from the door. I have tried to compare with the model - the best I can. Lots of assumptions (re drawing reproduction and angles of photo taken) but if there is a difference it is very small.

Thanks for this info. Another idea for future upgrades.

Not my era, BUT, having seen, and especially heard the beast I could not resist. So I've ordered a BR blue from Ultimate. I guess this will better serve the HOP ABs (which were not quick to get TOPS coding) I already have, and now also about to add some early HCA's from ACC and some HAAs from KMS Railtech. Well done Cavalex! Dave

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Now to the locomotive. On body removal, the DCC ready socket can be seen attached to a small weighted sub-assembly. After my experience of difficulty getting the A3 back together, I decided to make a little more room for the stay alive. The motor capacitor and blanking plug were removed. DCC socket disconnected. There is one screw, and an alignment pin holding the weight. The top part of the weight was removed to give more headroom for the stay alive kit. Refitted. Stay alive capacitor and interface chip attached using black tack. To the decoder. For the ESU V5 stay alive, a 3 wire Zen stay alive was used. First soldering the 3 wires to the decoder. Preparation for the firebox flicker. The blue (common +ve) and green (AUX1) wires were cut off at the 8 pin plug for direct connection. Note that the full length of harness wire is needed to reach to the firebox LED. The LED assembly is prepared, with the 1K ohm resistor in the +ve leg. The wires were connected for the firebox flicker LED, and the brown speaker wires attached to the 2 pin micro connector. The LED was fixed (using black tack), into the 3mm hole which had been drilled through the firebox, any exposed connections insulated, and the remaining wires secured. Reassembled, and all tested OK. Firebox flicker. Not forgetting the CV changes to commission the stay alive. A tremendous sound from Locoman. I would not say that there was much difference in sound between this EM2 speaker and the Rail Exclusive 'Chunky Boom Box'. That is, for these sound files.

Last of my A4s for sound installation. This model has the 'old' style tender coupling, and the DCC socket in the locomotive. It will also include a stay alive and firebox flicker. This version of the model provides a better opportunity for an even bigger, EM2 speaker. The only new wiring to the tender is for the speaker. This is the kit used: First to the tender. The weight and coal load are removed. The coal pan will be cut out. On this occasion, I will explain the method I have arrived at which seems to be optimal (to me anyway). First, I use a razor saw running down the seams between the base and the sides of the chute. The small saw attachment is shaped at the end so it behaves like an Olfa cutter. So strokes will slowly remove material. When there is a 'break through' the rest of the seam can be cut using the saw action. Turn over and continue the saw cuts into the horizontal section. A cross cut is made using a scalpel. First at the top. And then at the base, so the first piece can be removed. There is now easy access to clip out the side walls of the chute as required. Finally a clean up of edges with a scalpel and abrasive stick. The lugs for the weight are cut down, and a couple of styrene strips added to barrier off the route to the tender pick ups. This will prevent glue running through! Lead shot is added and fixed with Cyano (hot). Four pads are added to ensure no contact between tender wheels and the speaker. An EM2 speaker is used. First the mounting lugs are removed. A 2mm hole is drilled into the tender chassis to accept the 2 pin micro connector wires. The speaker is fixed with black tack. Speaker wires connected, and insulated with heat shrink. A 10g weight fixed into the tender body. Tender body fitted using the original clip and screw fixing. The original coal load has been fitted, but this might be replaced by a false floor and real coal. Next to the locomotive.