N Scale Atlas/Prairie Shadows GP9 with ESU LokSound

BCR 570 Sep 15, 2014

  1. BCR 570

    BCR 570 TrainBoard Member

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    I have been holding off diving into N Scale sound for several years until I could assess where it was going, and I was not seriously interested unless I could have better sound quality than I was hearing from factory installations, and I could have the correct sounds for my prime movers and airhorns. That day seems to have arrived. Inspired by John Colombo's tutorials and with the prospect of no less than three ESU LokSound-equipped locomotives coming to market (Atlas S-2, Intermountain SD40-2, Rapido Trains GMD-1) I decided to try one locomotive as a testbed. I selected an Atlas GP9 special run from Prairie Shadows which required minimal conversion work and had simple lighting requirements. it was also a mechanism which John had successfully converted for his GP7.

    I began by removing the factory airhorns from the long hood and filling the holes with styrene. I replaced them with a three chime airhorn on the short hood as well as a high hood bell, both from Miniatures By Eric. I prepared an Eric winterization hatch to cover the forward fan, and installed a Sunrise Enterprises etched Sinclair antenna on the cab roof. I also swapped out the factory couplers for Micro-Trains #1015 couplers. Here is the model with the detail parts installed:

    [​IMG]


    I sourced the LokSound Micro Select decoder from Tony's Train Exchange, which came pre-programmed for the correct EMD 567 prime mover. The Star Micronics 8x12 speaker came from Litchfield Station. It comes with a mounting gasket and plastic enclosure which were discarded:

    [​IMG]


    Following John Colombo's tutorial, I attached the lead wires and enclosed the speaker with styrene. Pictured below are an enclosed Knowles Fox speaker on the left and the Star Micronics speaker on the right:

    [​IMG]


    Tim
     
  2. BCR 570

    BCR 570 TrainBoard Member

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    My friend Dave Mackinnon installed the decoder and speaker largely following John's tutorial for his GP7, with a few modifications. The decoder was mounted at an angle to clear the hood. David Waterstreet assisted with programming the Nathan K3 airhorn and slow bell. Here is the completed installation:
    [​IMG]


    And here is the re-assembled locomotive with detail parts painted to match the hood. The model still requires painting of the fuel tank and trucks, weahering and a final seal coat:

    [​IMG]


    And how does it sound? I am very impressed with the sound quality from the decoder and speaker, and the bell and horn definitely add "play value". Also impressive is the motor control, better than my TCS-equipped locomotives I would say. Here is a short video of the engine's recent visit to friend Mark Dance's Columbia & Western Railway:

    [video=youtube_share;ACrE3PfHB7E]http://youtu.be/ACrE3PfHB7E[/video]


    My next goal is to convert an ALCO locomotive, proably my forthcoming build of a CN C-424. If that goes well I will then commence retrofitting the BCR motive power fleet. I am looking forward to hearing an ALCO 244 or 251 prime mover with the BCR's distinctive K5H horn!

    A big thank you to David Mackinnon, David Waterstreet and John Colombo for all their help with this project., and to Mark for shooting the video.


    Tim
     
  3. Nick Lorusso

    Nick Lorusso TrainBoard Member

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    Welcome to the sound era. Also great detail work.
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    It does sound good, very much EMD 567. I wonder how it sounds in Run 8, with tonnage up a grade?
     
  5. sandro schaer

    sandro schaer TrainBoard Member

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    sounds really good !


    beautiful layout btw.
     

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