Hello all. Brand new here I have three older Bachmann steamer engines. I run only on DC trackpower. Can you suggest a simple drop in sound system?
Low price: MyLocoSound(c. $80)
Decent analog chuff and analog whistle that can be triggered by track magnets, though the bell leaves a bit to be desired. Fortunately you can turn the bell off. For "simple and basic," you can't go wrong. It's a great sound system for someone who just wants basic sound.
http://www.mylocosound.com/ (http://www.mylocosound.com/)
Midrange: Dallee (c. $110)
Digital sounds, but monophonic, which means when you blow the whistle, or ring the bell, the chuff sound stops. Cool thing with the Dallee is that there's an option to where every time the whistle is triggered, it plays a different whistle pattern. This cuts down on the repetitious nature of some simple sound systems with magnetically-triggered sounds.
http://www.dallee.com/sound_systems.htm (http://www.dallee.com/sound_systems.htm)
High end: Phoenix (c. $200)
You'd want their PB11 board, which is the one that's compatible with traditional DC track power. Phoenix is considered the gold standard for sound systems. Head to their web site to hear samples of their sounds. You can order your board programmed with whichever of those sounds you'd like. Phoenix is also compatible with DCC and R/C control systems, so if you ever upgrade to those control systems, you'll have a top-drawer sound board ready to go.
http://www.phoenixsound.com/ (http://www.phoenixsound.com/)
Later,
K
Thanks Kevin. Great info. I'll check it out.