There have been many fantastic advances in the world of model railways in the last twenty years. One of these is the...
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What do I need to add sound to my model locomotive?
Adding sound to a model railway locomotive can add another dimension of realism and enjoyment for the viewer, but how is it done?
There are a couple of options for adding sound to your model engine, the most basic of which is to install a battery operated sound capsule. These are available from companies like Train-Tech and you get a motion activated soundboard and speaker that produces a generic diesel or steam engine audio. The capsules are completely self contained and require no wiring to the actual model, so all you need is enough space to house it!
If you were thinking of something a little more authentic, a DCC model with sound is the way to go. If your loco hasn't already got sound capabilities, you will need to install a decoder specifically designed to produce sound and a speaker. When selecting a decoder, don't forget to ensure that it's relevant to your model because an A4 Pacific would sound quite strange making DMU noises.
If your model isn't DCC ready or fitted, it may still be possible to convert it, however, such a project will require a certain level of modelling competence as you'll be required to hardwire components to your model's existing electrics.
If you are considering upgrading or converting your models to produce DCC sound, check you have enough room to fit the necessary components into the bodyshells first, and when you've done that, check again!
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