DCC Pair/Tandem Locomotives... Both with Sound?

Rick Eager Aug 27, 2015

  1. Rick Eager

    Rick Eager TrainBoard Member

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    Hello All, New guy here. I really had a blast when I was a kid when my Dad introduced me to the hobby. As an adult I got away from it but have came back to it now only to find something similar… but yet different.

    At fourteen I built an HO scale layout on top of the family pool table in the basement on a piece of 5/8 plywood and did lighting, buildings, roadways and it looked so good it made some adults salivate.

    This time around I have plans for a new layout. I want to build something modern. I've already purchased a Bachmann Acella (please don't cringe) but I love this train with it's lighted cars and nice detail work.

    With the foresight of the layout I have in mind I began purchasing buildings and accessories that I know will work for my layout and modern era.

    I do want to do a second track with a pair of matching DCC locos with sound. I'm seeing some nice models from all the better manufacturers and am leaning toward a modern pair of Union Pacific or BNSF units.

    I really like the Kato, Fox Valley and Intermountain units to name a few for their attention to detail and what others are saying about their quality, operation and reliability.

    I planning a 5 X 9 foam layout with longterm plans to add another the same size with a wide river between them with a container ship, dock, working container yard and operational bridges connecting both layouts.

    I've probably overloaded you with info but I felt it might help you to know that I try to plan things out as best I can and try to think about future plans ahead of time and make preparations for them when I can.

    My Question… Should I buy both DCC units with sound to run them in tandem? Or only the primary unit (first locomotive)? I'm hearing and reading conflicting info on this. Can anyone chime in???
     
  2. papahnash

    papahnash TrainBoard Member

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    Rick, I model in N Scale and have multi-units. I am happy with sound in one unit. The real issue with multi-units is being able to match speed. In order to do that you need decoders that have this adjustment.
     
  3. Rick Eager

    Rick Eager TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks papahnash… please tell me more!?
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    As you go along, you may find that the two units you thought would be used in tandem, are used separately, or with other power. You might find yourself wishing you'd opted to get both, sound equipped. You can retro-fit, but if the budget allows now, something to consider.
     
  5. papahnash

    papahnash TrainBoard Member

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    Addressing the speed issue, to my knowledge, the only diesels you can purchase that have sound installed (N Scale) is the Atlas S-2 and one from Rapido GMD-1. I know the S-2 decoder has the ability to adjust speed, not sure about the GMD-1. The manufacturers you mentioned mostly do not come with a DCC decoder, sound or not. Most after market drop-in decoders have this ability. Bachmann sells DCC onboard locos. The decoder they use cannot be adjusted for speed. I have also had problems adjusting speed with the MRC sound decoders.

    BoxcabE50 makes a very good point. If you plan on doing operations, you may very well wish to separate the multi unit.

    Hope this helps.

    Harold
     
  6. subwayaz

    subwayaz TrainBoard Member

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    You might be able to purchased a Kato (Kobo) locomotive UP or BNSF DCC/W Sound. Look on Katousa.com top middle of screen purchase; look for KOBO Custom
     
  7. Rick Eager

    Rick Eager TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks all! I saw an Intermountain SD 40-2 Union Pacific I just had to have. Ordered it this morning!
     
  8. cajon

    cajon TrainBoard Member

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    Rick
    The Ascellas only run on the NE Corridor so BNSF or UP locos aren't usually seen there. They could be used by CSX or NS as pool power on intermodal trains.
     
  9. Rick Eager

    Rick Eager TrainBoard Member

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    Yep... you're right. That's what happens when you were raised back east. Spent some time in the south west and relocated to SoCal. I'm just building a layout I like. It'll be closer to creating a Port of Long Beach than anywhere else... so it'll be a fictitious town. As Walter Matthau once said in Odd Couple II… One of those Santa places!
     
    papahnash likes this.
  10. Locoman

    Locoman TrainBoard Member

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    He can use something called modeller's license!
     

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