Neils WRX

I use a Z21 and you can store different "layouts" in the App, so I use one controller for 4 different collections, Balkan, Belgian, Danish and Czech. Not found a limit yet must have circa 100 locos on it especially when you include locos set to work on multiple.

This was the sound file downloaded from the ESU website not, the factory fitted sound. I stopped buying factory fitted sounds and prefer downloading them as they tend to be bettet (although not in this case).

Must be honest wasn't that impressed with the ESU 232 sounds, and actually put the sound chip in another loco. As to me the engine didn't "scream" like I remembered.

Got destacted again..... seem to have managed to buy 3 czech diesels. The 749 and the 770 I've fitted sounds to and I have a chip on order for the 751!!

Quick MP4 of my latest purchase a Czech 749 with a Artol sound decoder. The model is by Roco https://flic.kr/p/TbcDvY [yt] [/yt]Like the start with full power!!

Thanks I've dropped them a line to ask. I have several ESU speakers but not sure they would be suitable.

Thanks for the info, only ever used ESU decoders before, so looks like something new to learn!! I've just been naughty and ordered 749121 from Scograil. I assume the model has a 8 pin socket? Out of interest does the Zimo decoder come with a speaker?

Just come across this thread. A really great layout, must resist the temptation to buy a 751..... Just one question what's the Zimo / Roco sound like? Heard that the factory fitted sound is a bit basic, and that a Czech shop offers better sound files? Got caught out before like this by the Roco Nohab and MZ's where the ESU sound is so much better.

Further update on the Croatian 2063, extra pickups added and the running is greatly improved. Added the sound files as well, here's s quick sample of startup and departure of an express service formed of ACME coaches. https://flic.kr/p/SbJkeZ [yt] [/yt] Further update added an ESU stay alive chip to further improve the running of the loco.

Just found this thread, great layout, out of interest what size are the baseboards?

A model I though was destined for the display cabinet has been saved!! I had assumed my Croatian class 2041 which I had converted from a SNCF 63000 by Roco wasn't fitted with a DCC socket as I had converted it years ago, imagine my surprise when I opened it and found it had a socket and space for a decoder on the cab space. So added a decoder and another loco has been added to the roster. Might think about sound fitting it just not sure where the speaker would go. Anyone added sound to a SNCF 63000? The picture of the loco is shunting in the factory private sidings.

Do they mean 1931?

While waiting for some bits to turn up for the Croatian 2063 to turn up, decided to have a play with a DCC on the Z21 and can now get a couple of pairs of locomotives to "work in multiple". Pictures below are of a pair Roco SNCB 62's and two Roco Belgian Nohabs

Latest project is updating a former Lima South African loco which has been repainted and modified to be a Croatian Railways HZ2063. As I've gone digital the model needed upgrading, so I added a ESU chip and made a hole in the chassis for the ESU cube speaker. Only issue was it didn't run as well as hoped so I'm going to replace the Lima friction pickups with some better ones and see if that improves things. I'll report back!!

Back to Balkan Modelling and I've converted my second HZ 2061 (General Motors G16) to DCC and Sound fitted a chip. Here's a picture!!

Early Christmas present to myself a Belgian SNCB class 59 by Van Biervliet https://flic.kr/p/QnHYFZ A really nice model with great sound. If I was being picky why did they model a loco cut up in 1995 when plenty lived longer?

Without taking this thread off topic, I've found Electric loco DCC sound a bit of a disappointment when compared to diesels.

When you purchase your decoder the seller will be able to upload the correct sound files which are on the ESU website. If you want to upload the sounds yourself you will need a ESU Lok Programmer, which is good fun if you want to play around with sound in the future.

They say a picture is worth a 1000 words, so here's a quick vid of the 2 MZ's I have starting up etc https://flic.kr/p/NhKACb

Having a couple of DSB MZ's (same as the Renfe 333's), the later versions have much better sound. In hindsight I'd have purchased a non sound loco then fitted a ESU Loksound v4 decoder and then uploaded the latest ESU sounds to it which is in my opinion a much better option, as you will get more sounds that way.

As I've just found this thread, here is one that might be of interest. The difference between the Roco factory fitted sound in a SNCB 52 (Loksound) and a loco fitted with an ESU Loksound V4 decoder. https://flic.kr/p/E5RJCJ [yt] [/yt] As you can hear there is quite an improvement!!

This is a Danish DSB class ME diesel loco in HO scale made by McK. Here the model goes from start up to full power https://flic.kr/p/P8iSDp [yt] [/yt]

I only discovered McK earlier this year they are a new producer of Danish models and I think the ME is their first model. They plan to release very small batches, the ME version I have is 1 of 200. They have big future plans and I have a late series MZ on order. The sound is from a Loksound M4 decoder, I'm not sure if it's the standard Loksound ME or a tweaked version, it does have a few different options than the standard decoder so I'm guessing it's a tweaked one. I don't think they have any connection with Hobbytrade and it's interesting since this model has been released a number of Hobbytrade ones have appeared on Ebay and I did read (well google translate) a piece on a Danish website and they seemed to really rate the model. Neil

A quick mpeg, of the DSB ME from start up to full power in about a minute. Hope you like it. https://flic.kr/p/P8iSDp [yt] [/yt]

Latest addition to the collection a Danish DSB class ME by McK. Model is of course fitted with DCC Sound, and is even fitted with flashing lights on the side which flash when the train is about to depart. Also has cab and engine room lights etc. An excellent model.