TrainsTim

Hi all I am still in the early miles of sorting things but I am now looking for 8pin sound decoders for the above Bachman locos. I would prefer specific recordings rather than generic sounds. I would appreciate any recommendations if any of you guys have installed in these locos? TIA Tim

Hi No they are 32's Each one has "instructions" for conversion

I have decided to keep the EZ and not go down the HM7000 route. I know that I would prefer a physical control rather than a touch screen (I know it could be used with the Hornby) An interesting reply from @moawkwrd regarding sounds will probably only be available for made by Hornby locos made me think if this was the route to go. For example I've just got hold of a GWR railcar for which I would need a specific sound recording. Also there are questions about the size of the Hornby circuit boards... will they fit in what I may want in the future or even the 45xx that I have now. I terms of cost, ok the HM7000 does come out better but when you add the cost of the Hornby transformer plus connection bits that adds over £60. obviously this is included with the EZ. At the end of the day, I'm never comfortable buying into one manufacturer and their product. Cheers Tim

Just to throw this in another direction, Does anyone think that Hornby downloaded sounds are less good or the same as other manufacturers pre loaded sound chips?

Interesting. This is another reason why I dislike buying into one manufacturers ecosystem. I have not yet heard enough negativity against the HM7000 to dissuade me.

Thank you I was intending to make exactly dimensioned models of the HM7000 pcb and speaker to test the available space first. Yes, I noticed there was no sound file for a tank but was imagining that there might be soon being a pretty common loco.

It did panic me a bit yesterday as I think I want to go down the hm7000 route.

What they mean by "analogue only" is a puzzle to me. I recon its as has been mentioned above, they don't want anyone cutting the wires.

I'm still juggling the thought of using a touchscreen vs a physical knob and buttons. I can see the big deal with the hm7000 though. Another question I would have is sound quality compared to a normal decoder. I might just be hanging on to the EZ and picking up some 8pin sound decoders instead. I used to be indecisive but now......

Well yes I can't see how it can be different in that regard. Hornby state adamantly that it cannot, that's what put the question in my mind

Thank you This was my logic

Hi All, I have 3 Bachman 45xx non ready DCC locos. They do not have a socket. I should say that I am a newcomer... I'm in the very early stages of planning a layout with good people here. I am a competent solderer so hardwiring would be easy for me. Please tell me why I am reading that the Hornby HM7000 cannot be fitted into a non DCC loco? surely it must only be that there is no obvious way to connect the decoder? or is there a socket available that the HM700 pcb can be connected to? Or am I missing something re the difference between being bluetooth and not? I have a Bachman EZ plus still in its box so could be sent back but I am intrigued by the HM7000. In all honesty I would opt for a physical controller rather than a touchscreen so there is a bonus to keeping the EZ if I had too! Not always a fan of buying in to one manucturers "world" I do want sound. TIA Tim

Thank you both. I like the idea of some operational "complexity". The struts are an annoyance its true but I think its just something I will have to accept. Phil's idea of bringing the board out to allow the brace to be disguised is a good one but I don't think I can afford the loss of space in the middle. I guess I could improve it a bit with some vegetation around its base etc so atm even though I hate the phrase "it is what it is". A gentle rise sounds interesting if possible. With regards to Llanuwchllyn, when it operated as a standard gauge, there existed an interesting passing and goods depot arrangement that could be good to work in. although I am not necessarily going to obsess about correctness it would be nice. Here is an article (quite long!) that I stumbled upon. https://irishrailwaymodeller.com/topic/6167-llanuwchllyn-in-n-based-on-llangollen-line-station-in-br-days-before-closure/ Thank you for your time on this Tim

Yes, still some more research required I think, there are lots of people saying that it is the answer they were all looking for but some reporting problems with loss of connection etc but it seems some of these problems were easily sorted. Still unsure TBH. Im not in a mad hurry though. So when you say the chuff/wheel coordination was not very good, did the chuffs increase appropriately with track speed? Cheers Tim