I've purchased a Rivarossi Big Boy and would like recommendations for a sound decoder for it. I'm looking at a SoundTraxx Tsunami TSU-1000 as my choice. Is it a good one? Ty Holland, Michigan
The decoder is a good one. You will need to find out which run of the Rivarossi Big Boy's you have. There have been several different runs and each one is different. If you have a late run unit it will have a can type motor. This motor's amp draw will be low. And that is good, the TSU1000 is good for only 1 amp motor load. The earlier runs have what is called a pancake motor. These draw way too many amps for a Tsunami decoder to last. You are looking at a decoder that will cost you about $100.00. Then you will need a speaker, about $8.00, plus any lighting you will want to upgrade, LED's or what ever. You need to check to see if the tender has metal wheels for power pickups or if they are plastic. I don't recall but I think all power pickups are on the locomotive itself. Just some things for you to check out .
I know it was originally purchased from a hobby shop in 1998. So it's at least 12 years old. Would that make it the pancake motor? If so, what kind of decoder then? Thanks, Ty
You should be able to see the motor at the rear of the cab. I will see if I can't find a photo of one so you can see what we are talking about. If the loco has a pancake type motor, you might remotor it. I think if would be more cost efective to find a newer model with the newer motor. I will be back with a photo if I can find one to post for you. I did not find a photo. Here is link that tells you about a motor conversion. http://www.steamlocomotive.com/model/remotoringbigboy.shtml Hope this might be of some help.
