The 3-chime on the K4 decoder was recorded off of a narrow gauge steamer on the Georgetown Loop in Colorado. If you play it next to a recording of the K4, they are noticeably different. They are also noticeably in the same family (the PRR passenger whistle also being a 3-chime). It is by far the closest of the three whistles on the decoder. It's a shame Bachmann didn't include the B&O 3-chime. It's still not right, but it's the closest in the Soundtraxx library.

Any chance there will be another run of these gorgeous locomotives with different road numbers? I heard a rumor to that effect a while ago, so I've been holding off buying more. I need a small fleet's worth of the pre-war configuration, but I'm not crazy about renumbering.

I've taken a lot of flak around the Internet for pointing out the incorrect whistle. I'd just like to say here one more time, thank you Bachmann for delivering an N scale K4. Based on the video that was posted, I have nothing but excitement for this model. The whistle is an easily correctable point. I look forward to running these on my layout.

Thank you!

Yardmaster, first I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Bachmann for bringing us an N Scale K4. My dilemma right now is not whether I'm going to buy one, but how many I will buy.

I don't want to seem ungrateful, but the banshee whistle is not correct for the K4. It was the PRR freight whistle found on the I's and H's. The PRR had a beautiful deep 3-chime that it used on passenger engines like the K4. Here's a comparison of the two:

http://youtu.be/VCokySRUNNw

And here's an example on K4 1361 when she was steamed up in the '80s

http://youtu.be/mTVjbeRBWWk

Again, I don't mean to seem ungrateful, and this isn't going to slow me down from buying several. I know that Soundtraxx doesn't have a PRR 3-chime sound file, so that may be a part of it. I'm hoping that Soundtraxx's B&O 3-chime is on there. It's probably the closest from their library.

http://youtu.be/ULjamh_euTw

Very nice video! I'm very much looking forward to picking up a few of these. One concern raised by the video, are we going to have a choice of whistles, or are we stuck with the incorrect PRR banshee freight whistle?

I'm ready to hand over my money whenever they are available for purchase.

Many thanks Bachmann!

Since the subject of an N Scale K4 has come up again, I will once again register my interest.

How 'bout some nice yellow Shell three-domes?

This is worth bumping this thread.

http://youtu.be/tvuABS6WWWM

So much for the "a K4 couldn't haul for crap" argument.

Just be prepared for the possibility that the powered cafe car might not have enough power to move all eight cars reliably.  Mine can't, except on straight, level track.  On the flip side, I've heard from others who have full sets that can negotiate curved grades with no problem.  It's like some of Bachmann's other products, the QC can be very inconsistent.

Quote from: Ken G Price on July 29, 2011, 11:54:55 PM
SF Bay Area Bart system train.

I'd be in for at least a 7 or 8 car train.

A PRR K4.  I'd also be happy with an H10, Q2, T1, M1, or I1.

When you ask where the business cars are, are you trying to find a store that has them in stock, or are you asking where they go in the consist?

I have the Acela Express set in both HO and N. They are both gorgeous models, and the HO version is a very nice runner. My gripe about the N Scale model is that the powered cafe car doesn't have enough traction to reliably power a full 6-car, 2-locomotive consist. This seems to be an inconsistent issue, as I've heard from others that their sets run just fine. Mostly, though, I have heard other stories of people whose trains won't run. I think it's the same fundamental issue as the Amfleets. The cars in the Acela set are not terribly free rolling. Depending on how bad the particular cars that you get are, the drag might overpower the engine. It's a compromise for the lighted interiors, but lighted interiors don't help if the train won't go.

For a little bit of mood here,

Quote from: dtpowell on April 13, 2011, 12:57:27 PM
I don't intend to dash your dreams Eric, but I asked the Bachmann a somewhat similar question last year. Got the same basic response and a 4-6-0 announcement at the convention.... ....(a silent tear falls)....Maybe, just maybe the Bachmann has been hard at work on a "super wonderfulistic" K4 I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

Oh, I thoroughly expect to get let down... But then again...

Could it be?  Could it be?   

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,16759.msg135259.html#msg135259

I know, I know, I'm getting my hopes up...