Thanks Jim, it seems as though you are the only/first to install sound
in a turbine--I'm waiting for the scratch to do so! With all the SP,
ATSF, MP and RI freaks around here we don't get much of a chance to hear
anything different than the usual.
I don't know we if we have a photo on our site of the curved modules
that the Houston S have, but we have two crossovers that take nearly the
entire length of the 5'+ module (as usual these were courtesy of Master
Track Layer, Jack Troxell! I'm not certain of the frog # but they are
probably in the 6-8 range; at every show we do have folks notice these
during a show. Not to take this too far off target, but there's a
chance that fancy handlaid trackwork might actually count against us in
recruiting. guys take one look shake their heads and say--I could never
build that! I've never had anybody say: wow, I'd like to join your
group and learn to lay track like that. Are we going to tear those
out--not a chance!
Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
--- In [email protected] <mailto:S-Scale%40yahoogroups.com>, Bob
Werre <bob@...> wrote:
>
> Jim,
>
> Regarding the turbine. I was wondering about the sound system and where
> you put it. <skip>
Bob:
I suppose this is where we discuss how model railroading is a constant
compromise and each of us compromises differently!
Three years ago I installed a LokSound decoder in the turbine 'B' unit
using a sound program Sam McCoy downloaded from Europe. That's one of
the beauties of LokSound, programmable decoders. (BTW - Shameless
Promotion - Dan Navarre at RRM is a LokSound dealer.) I ran the 'A'
from a motor only, NCE D13SRJ decoder -- still do. I changed to a
Tsunami in the 'B' about 6 months ago because I felt its sound was
more realistic (based on the video "Turbines of the Wahsatch") and I
could use a larger, higher quality speaker aimed right out the turbine
exhaust chute.
Bells and whistles are, ... well, "bells and whistles" -- not of
primary importance to me. They run from the Tsunami in the 'B' unit.
Since the horns on the real turbines (in later life) were located
2/3rds of the way back on the 'A' unit, the sound difference isn't
noticeable to me anyway. The Tsunami decoder has a sound before the
turbine is engaged that I assume is the Cummins diesel or the air
pumps. It all seems to work O.K. I suppose you could put a separate
sound decoder in the 'A' to run the Cummins diesel, etc., just not
sure how you would control the turbine on and off if they were in a
consist. Form my POV I'll compromise on where I am...
Speaking of compromise, I was reminded of that in a recent article on
the up grades for the new high speed line from Chicago to St. Louis.
Union Pacific is installing 50 mph cross overs near Odell, IL -- they
are #24 turnouts! In S scale terms that's a cross over on tracks of 3"
centers requiring 6 feet; switch point to switch point! Makes our #6
or #8 or #10 conversations seem like, well ... compromise!! <G>
Jim Kindraka
Plymouth, WI
