Been way out of touch with HO for a long time. I'm wondering: * Can DCC/Tsunami sound be put into the Stewart/Bowser VO1000? VO660? DS-4-4-1000? Is there a DCC installation service available from someone? * How do the Bowser versions of the above engines run? Years ago, I had a Stewart VO1000 and it ran excellent. Would a Bowser version be at least as smooth? * Also saw the BLI Frisco B&Y SW7's. Nice. I have an older BLI in CB&Q w/sound. Is it also DC/DCC compatible as are the new ones? Any input would be welcomed.
Andre, I don't have any of these engines, but I do know that with switchers there is very limited room to work with. Soundtraxx makes a Bowser-Stewart type lightboard decoder, but I would imagine it's for their larger engines. http://soundtraxx.com/dsd/tsunami/tsuBW1000.php I don't see there being enough length for that in the shell but I might be wrong. So my best educated guess would be to wire in a TSU-750 in place of the light board to save space, then find room for a speaker. The BLI SW7's in B&Y come equipped with sound, but I have seen several people on here say that is unrealistic sound, so it would be up to you if you wanted to leave the QSI decoder in or swap it for a Tsunami. As I said, these are only ideas. Someone who actually has these engines may be able to give you better answers. Ethan
I have installed Tsunami sound in the Stewart/Bowser VO-1000. The other models would be very similar. I do Soundtraxx Tsunami installations as well as Loksound. Friends don't let friends use QSI. The VO-1000s sold by Bowser/Stewart are the virtually same model as originally sold under the Stewart name. They are good runners but some of the older guys here in KC feel they are "a little light on their feet". They claim they will not pull long string of cars (greater than 35) other than on flat straight track. I have not verified, but very few people move that many cars at once with any engine. DC/DCC compatible generally means that the locomotive is equipped with an eight or nine pin connector to allow the change between DC and DCC. If you are asking if the locomotive can have sound installed, my answer is yes, regardless of DC/DCC compatibility. Additionally, most all modern decoders (including sound) can operate on DC or DCC. Andre, contact me via PM and we can discuss further.
Thanks, Keith, that was good for a LOL on my part. Andre, I can provide a testimonial for the great work Keith does on dcc installation. Terry
I also can testify on the great work he does as he has done all of my Tsunami installations and has more on his workbench now. Also, the accolades of his work seem to have reached all of the way to SoundTraxx headquarters in Durango as he has been invited to their annual workshop weekend in August. When you have done over 250 installs of their products, manufacturers like SoundTraxx want to know who you are!
I also hold Keith in high regards. He turned my Athearn Frisco SD40-2 into a jewel of sound and light. I can't thank him enough.
Andre, The application notes for installation of Tsunami sound decoder in the Stuart VO1000 can be found at: http://www.soundtraxx.com/documents/appnotes/VO-1000App.pdf I have one of these and it runs great. -Bob T.
Well fella's... I'm about THIS close (holds up closely spaced fingers) to making the decision to return to HO. The product availability and track system options are tilting the weight scales in favor of HO. Hmmmm.
