A couple of tips. Unplug the connection between the loco and tender, there is a special tool available for this. As you quite rightly mention, you don't want to stress these wires, it also makes it a lot easier to work on the tender not having to keep moving the loco when you need to move the tender. The tender locos (mainly GWR) that I've fitted sound to, the speaker fits under the weight giving you a little more room for the mass of wires. As you have fitted your sound, it's not worth taking it apart to find out if this is the case with your loco, but it's something to bear in mind for a future conversion. Chris
Hairy's Shed yes unplugging the tender would make it easier. I don’t have a tool to hand though and it wouldn’t budge when I tried a small screwdriver on it.
Hi Jenny . You don't have spend extravagant money on a name brand Satan's plug tool. Just type "computer cpu plcc extractor" into ebay and pick up a perfectly adequate tool for a few quid. Just get the el cheapo green handled ones. They work a treat 👍
Hiya Chris... I have to say when I did this on the BR Westminster recently the plate was removable as you mention, however, the speaker that Jennifer appears to have is the same as the one I fitted and no it doesn't fit under the plate int eh schools class tender!
ps. In general, on HORNBY Tenders, the weight comes off and the speaker fits underneath, the shape of the weight’s hole designed to accommodate the top (or back) of the speaker. Cheers.
I’ve found excellent speakers to use are the new “Rail Exclusive”, better sound to sugar-cube because they have an injection moulded resonance chamber. Different sizes available. Alternatively IPhone speakers. Hornby sell an extract tool to unplug the white plug under the tender makes it easier
Ah! Whistles......(and horns especially) yes, that is one of my bugbears. Glad you mentioned it. I truly despair at Exhibitions, in the early days particularly, when almost every locomotive, be it diesel electric or steam, had the same whistle or horn. You are right Jenny. The whistle (or horn) does make a huge difference. I had a discussion with both a manufacturing representative and a sound recordist as to the “generic” horn which could always be heard. Things have begun to change but it has been a slow, gradual change. A TV programme series called “Rail Watch” back in the 90s, introduced by Mike Smith (RIP) shows him in the stores, in one episode, looking at InterCity Locomotive Horns. These were, and probably still are, shown with their notation key notes (F# - B) giving a musical 4th, together with other intervals, which were shelved for specific types of Locomotive. Being a musician this gave me a sense of satisfaction, as almost all classes of Locomotive are different. As a slight aside, have a listen to C Hubert Parry’s “I was Glad”, searchable on YT. The first two notes, played on Organ or, at Royal Weddings on trumpets, D & F, are instantly recognisable in Choral music circles. A couple of weeks ago I was at York, walking the path to the NRM when a departing Class 91 departed sounding those exact notes! (I hear perfect pitch). Subsequently, I was singing the piece all day! Sending every good wish for continued success in 2019. Bob
I'm across the pond in Los Angeles. I was born Bronx, NYC, raised on Long Island and moved into Manhattan in 1963. Began with the model in about 1956. I was always a US prototype train lover, only. I didn't look at anything outside of the US until maybe 10 years ago when I began accepting and liking British trains... Today, if I could afford it I actually would enjoy owning this type loco, here. No layout at present either. But, if Brit 00 is the same gauge as US HO (still a bit confused ) I'd probably buy one..They have a certain Euro-charm about them I've become fascinated with. Thanks Jenny. I've seen many of your videos. I do wish you'd make some showing your entire layout and your running it... One question: Why, seemingly, do/did Brit steam have no head lights ? I've seen lanterns on their pilot beam, but no big headlight at/above the smoke boxes. Am I to believe British steam didn't run at night ?!! Never understood this ..M.
Hello Mark and Jenny, until the 1980s British trains did not require headlights and marker lights as UK railway lines are fenced off, ( an ongoing result of the 18th century Enclosures Act, and subsequent Fencing Acts ) and even with UK style boom barriers / automatic half barriers , the road user is protected from the railway.Also level crossings in the UK are far rarer per mile of track than is the case elsewhere In the US , Canada , Australia and other places fencing was not guaranteed and there were ( and are ) many level crossings and farmer occupation crossings which necessitated the use of large headlights so people crossing the railway could see the approaching train, and conversely, the train driver could see the potential obstruction. The current issue with any level crossing these days is the combination of relatively faster and notably quieter trains and motor vehicles whose drivers are cocooned in a quiet box and therefore no longer hear outside noise as was once the case. it is noticeable in the US that towns that banned locomotive warning whistles / horns to warn of a train approaching a level crossing have, not surprisingly, an increase in level crossing accidents. You do not require. science degree to understand that a 3,000 ton + train hitting zone ton motor vehicle will push, and crush said motor vehicle for a distance exceeding one mile. The motor vehicle occupants in such instances usually end up dead. Best wishes from Australia , Philip
Hi Jenny, super videos. I’ve often thought sound decoders could be used with a subwoofer to get real bass power. I wouldn’t know how to set it up, or how you’d get multiple sounds into one bass speaker. But bass sounds are non directional so I don’t think you’d notice the source was static.
Just yesterday I hardwired a Gaugemaster Omni decoder into my 2004 vintage, non-DCC ready, Hornby N2. A lovely loco but very little space inside. Now has a cab full of decoder, so there would be no room for sound sadly.
I have had trouble just getting a normal chip in. I just could not get a Hornby chip and all the wiring into a class 8 shunter and close the lid. To solve this I found a Gaugemaster chip that plugged directly in with no wires - perfect.
So does the module work as both the sound module, but also as the dcc module for the motor. So you either buy a dcc module or the sound module, not both ?
A great video as usual Jenny and those Hornby tts packages are definitely good value for money, just one minor thing, the S15 was two cylinder whereas the Schools was three. I know this sounds a petty point but I just wondered if there is a discernable difference in sound ? At the end of the day if it passes for the real thing all is good. No doubt someone out there more knowledgable will let us know. Keep up the good work though and you make the fitting look simple and that is so good to know.
leslie dickinson I actually tried initially to fit the Bachmann H1 but there wasn’t enough room. As far as I can tell it’s the whistle noises that are different more than anything else on the TTS chips.
Just thought I'd say, don't put the decoder too close to the plastic. It may melt the plastic. I've put DCC decoders in all of my locomotives and they all work fine except one. I installed the decoder in the tender of my old Flying Scotsman. The decoder stopped working, over heated and melted the side of the tender. :-(
Hi jenny, greàt site. I see you have the Prodigy express. Apart from sending it to Gaugemaster, do you know where can buy a rotary encoder to fit myself. Thanks Rich
A couple of tips.
Unplug the connection between the loco and tender, there is a special tool available for this. As you quite rightly mention, you don't want to stress these wires, it also makes it a lot easier to work on the tender not having to keep moving the loco when you need to move the tender.
The tender locos (mainly GWR) that I've fitted sound to, the speaker fits under the weight giving you a little more room for the mass of wires. As you have fitted your sound, it's not worth taking it apart to find out if this is the case with your loco, but it's something to bear in mind for a future conversion.
Chris
Hairy's Shed yes unplugging the tender would make it easier. I don’t have a tool to hand though and it wouldn’t budge when I tried a small screwdriver on it.
Hi Jenny . You don't have spend extravagant money on a name brand Satan's plug tool. Just type "computer cpu plcc extractor" into ebay and pick up a perfectly adequate tool for a few quid. Just get the el cheapo green handled ones. They work a treat 👍
Where can I get the special tool?
Hiya Chris... I have to say when I did this on the BR Westminster recently the plate was removable as you mention, however, the speaker that Jennifer appears to have is the same as the one I fitted and no it doesn't fit under the plate int eh schools class tender!
ps. In general, on HORNBY Tenders, the weight comes off and the speaker fits underneath, the shape of the weight’s hole designed to accommodate the top (or back) of the speaker. Cheers.
I’ve found excellent speakers to use are the new “Rail Exclusive”, better sound to sugar-cube because they have an injection moulded resonance chamber. Different sizes available. Alternatively IPhone speakers.
Hornby sell an extract tool to unplug the white plug under the tender makes it easier
Good quality chip decoder and speaker.
I'm considering using one of these S15 TTS decoders for my next kit build.
Very interesting video, Jenny. The sound chip seems to work well.
Ah! Whistles......(and horns especially) yes, that is one of my bugbears. Glad you mentioned it. I truly despair at Exhibitions, in the early days particularly, when almost every locomotive, be it diesel electric or steam, had the same whistle or horn.
You are right Jenny. The whistle (or horn) does make a huge difference. I had a discussion with both a manufacturing representative and a sound recordist as to the “generic” horn which could always be heard. Things have begun to change but it has been a slow, gradual change.
A TV programme series called “Rail Watch” back in the 90s, introduced by Mike Smith (RIP) shows him in the stores, in one episode, looking at InterCity Locomotive Horns. These were, and probably still are, shown with their notation key notes (F# - B) giving a musical 4th, together with other intervals, which were shelved for specific types of Locomotive. Being a musician this gave me a sense of satisfaction, as almost all classes of Locomotive are different. As a slight aside, have a listen to C Hubert Parry’s “I was Glad”, searchable on YT. The first two notes, played on Organ or, at Royal Weddings on trumpets, D & F, are instantly recognisable in Choral music circles. A couple of weeks ago I was at York, walking the path to the NRM when a departing Class 91 departed sounding those exact notes! (I hear perfect pitch). Subsequently, I was singing the piece all day! Sending every good wish for continued success in 2019. Bob
I'm across the pond in Los Angeles. I was born Bronx, NYC, raised on Long Island and moved into Manhattan in 1963. Began with the model in about 1956. I was always a US prototype train lover, only. I didn't look at anything outside of the US until maybe 10 years ago when I began accepting and liking British trains... Today, if I could afford it I actually would enjoy owning this type loco, here. No layout at present either. But, if Brit 00 is the same gauge as US HO (still a bit confused ) I'd probably buy one..They have a certain Euro-charm about them I've become fascinated with.
Thanks Jenny. I've seen many of your videos. I do wish you'd make some showing your entire layout and your running it...
One question: Why, seemingly, do/did Brit steam have no head lights ? I've seen lanterns on their pilot beam, but no big headlight at/above the smoke boxes. Am I to believe British steam didn't run at night ?!! Never understood this ..M.
Hello Mark and Jenny, until the 1980s British trains did not require headlights and marker lights as UK railway lines are fenced off, ( an ongoing result of the 18th century Enclosures Act, and subsequent Fencing Acts ) and even with UK style boom barriers / automatic half barriers , the road user is protected from the railway.Also level crossings in the UK are far rarer per mile of track than is the case elsewhere
In the US , Canada , Australia and other places fencing was not guaranteed and there were ( and are ) many level crossings and farmer occupation crossings which necessitated the use of large headlights so people crossing the railway could see the approaching train, and conversely, the train driver could see the potential obstruction.
The current issue with any level crossing these days is the combination of relatively faster and notably quieter trains and motor vehicles whose drivers are cocooned in a quiet box and therefore no longer hear outside noise as was once the case.
it is noticeable in the US that towns that banned locomotive warning whistles / horns to warn of a train approaching a level crossing have, not surprisingly, an increase in level crossing accidents. You do not require. science degree to understand that a 3,000 ton + train hitting zone ton motor vehicle will push, and crush said motor vehicle for a distance exceeding one mile. The motor vehicle occupants in such instances usually end up dead.
Best wishes from Australia , Philip
Hi Jenny, super videos. I’ve often thought sound decoders could be used with a subwoofer to get real bass power. I wouldn’t know how to set it up, or how you’d get multiple sounds into one bass speaker. But bass sounds are non directional so I don’t think you’d notice the source was static.
Thanks very much Jennifer.
I'm told all the sounds, except for the whistles, where recorded from Tornado.
Just yesterday I hardwired a Gaugemaster Omni decoder into my 2004 vintage, non-DCC ready, Hornby N2. A lovely loco but very little space inside. Now has a cab full of decoder, so there would be no room for sound sadly.
I have had trouble just getting a normal chip in. I just could not get a Hornby chip and all the wiring into a class 8 shunter and close the lid. To solve this I found a Gaugemaster chip that plugged directly in with no wires - perfect.
Bery nice dcc sound. Great presentation as usual. God bless new year
Charles Walsh thanks!
Was following your instructions, then I realised the speaker goes under the weight, which is a perfect fit, with its ring housing.
Glad to see you in sound.
So does the module work as both the sound module, but also as the dcc module for the motor. So you either buy a dcc module or the sound module, not both ?
That is a frightening point when you pre-test, then finally button everything up only to have it not work.
Scott Cameron yes especially when space is so tight that you have to really squash these things in.
Thanks jenny
A great video as usual Jenny and those Hornby tts packages are definitely good value for money, just one minor thing, the S15 was two cylinder whereas the Schools was three. I know this sounds a petty point but I just wondered if there is a discernable difference in sound ? At the end of the day if it passes for the real thing all is good. No doubt someone out there more knowledgable will let us know. Keep up the good work though and you make the fitting look simple and that is so good to know.
leslie dickinson I actually tried initially to fit the Bachmann H1 but there wasn’t enough room. As far as I can tell it’s the whistle noises that are different more than anything else on the TTS chips.
@@JenniferEKirk A TTS decoder for a Gresley Pacific (A1/A3/A4) might give a more accurate cylinder beat sound.
Just thought I'd say, don't put the decoder too close to the plastic. It may melt the plastic. I've put DCC decoders in all of my locomotives and they all work fine except one. I installed the decoder in the tender of my old Flying Scotsman. The decoder stopped working, over heated and melted the side of the tender.
:-(
Hi jenny, greàt site. I see you have the Prodigy express. Apart from sending it to Gaugemaster, do you know where can buy a rotary encoder to fit myself. Thanks Rich
Well done
A newbie question for you....the TTS decoder....does this also convert a loco to DCC? or do you also have to have the other decoder?
Looks like you’ve caught the dcc bug
Helpful video thx
Model Railway Noob you’re welcome!
Welcome to the world of sounds; it changes everything. Modelrailroadigeomesalive. Digital control--same.
Austin Yingst the sounds have drawn me in!
A great video there. I'm actually looking at a s15 chip for Thomas to convert to E2. I'm mad but b good
With my fat fingers, not sure I could that in OO gauge, I have enough trouble with O gauge!