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Post by fr8kar on Jul 20, 2014 17:10:53 GMT -8
Having said that, if any of the "We Can Handle It" locos ended up in the post-merger 80s, I'd be interested in one of those, too. For my own utility, I went through Railpicture's 1975 and 1980 photos. For 1975, about 1/3 of the locos were "dependable" and the rest "we can handle it". For 1980, there were no "dependable"s and only a very few "we can handle it"s. The latter were non-fast-fortied SD40-2's--probably because they were the lastish delivered in that scheme. I doubt there would be any "we can handle it"s left at merger, but, ya know, there always seems to be one. I'd go with an SD40-2 not in the 8000 class. Ed Well, no big deal. I only have one UP SD40-2 and it's likely the only one I will have. One of these SD40s will be nice, if I can get it the scheme I want, but it's not a big priority. Thanks for doing the digging on this. It's certainly interesting.
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Post by carrman on Jul 21, 2014 14:49:27 GMT -8
Well I tried to post a list exactly as it was sent to me about the decoder functions on the RTR decoder vs. the Genesis version. Not slamming the model, just want to inform folks.
RTR version has 3 lighting effects, Genesis has 4
RTR has 5 different horns, Genesis 8
RTR has no F5 and F6 program capabilities, Genesis does
RTR has no brake squeal, coupler sound, or 7 band equalizer, Genesis does. All other functions between the 2 are the same.
Dave
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Post by IAISfan on Jul 21, 2014 15:45:43 GMT -8
RTR has no brake squeal, coupler sound, or 7 band equalizer, Genesis does. All other functions between the 2 are the same. Thanks for that Dave. I wonder if the lack of brake squeal also means that the functional independent brake will be missing from RTR? As nice as these units look, I don't have a need for SD40s, but I'm guessing there may be some out there who enjoy using that function as much as I do.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Jul 21, 2014 16:25:54 GMT -8
Well I tried to post a list exactly as it was sent to me about the decoder functions on the RTR decoder vs. the Genesis version. Not slamming the model, just want to inform folks. RTR version has 3 lighting effects, Genesis has 4 RTR has 5 different horns, Genesis 8 RTR has no F5 and F6 program capabilities, Genesis does RTR has no brake squeal, coupler sound, or 7 band equalizer, Genesis does. All other functions between the 2 are the same. Dave I'll start by saying that I'm still in kindergarten when it comes to DCC stuff. BUT With RTR, it looks like you get one "thing" besides the front and rear light. So, as long as Athearn only picks locos with one extra "thing", things are fine. Like the beacon(s) on the UP locos. The horns: all they need to put in for me is the RIGHT one. There oughta be a whole selection of horn sounds to pick from from the supplier. Now, if that 5-horn will only always have the same 5 sounds no matter what, that could be a problem. I confess I don't know what the phrase "F5 and F6 program capabilities" means. So, what does it mean? Brake squeal and etc. I can live with that. So, I guess I'm not seeing that this demotion is all that bad. But then, see kindergarten statement above. Ed
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Post by riogrande on Jul 21, 2014 17:00:15 GMT -8
Well I tried to post a list exactly as it was sent to me about the decoder functions on the RTR decoder vs. the Genesis version. Not slamming the model, just want to inform folks. RTR version has 3 lighting effects, Genesis has 4 RTR has 5 different horns, Genesis 8 RTR has no F5 and F6 program capabilities, Genesis does RTR has no brake squeal, coupler sound, or 7 band equalizer, Genesis does. All other functions between the 2 are the same. Dave Considering it is only $50 more for the sound options,that not too bad. I would hope the decoder has a gyra light and of course whatever horn SP used. I don't think I'm bothered about the lack of brake squeal and couplers etc.
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Post by bnsf971 on Jul 21, 2014 19:07:15 GMT -8
F5 and F6 are usually ditch lights, number boards, and beacons. On a Tsunami, the functions are generally F1=bell F2= horn F3= short horn toot F4= dynamic brake F5= number boards F6= ditch lights F7= headlight dimmer F8= mute
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Post by riogrande on Jul 22, 2014 4:03:28 GMT -8
Based on Terry's list, for me the F5 and F6 functions won't be missed. Usually gyra light functions are in most of the basic standard DCC decoders so I'd guess that should be included in the SD40 sound decoder. The horn will be the big question.
Cheers, Jim
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Post by grabbem88 on Jul 22, 2014 5:30:12 GMT -8
Not having the equalizer will only be bad if you are a sound freak but this seems to be the decoder used in bachmann's engines..
On the horns.... A lot of them need to be fixed or recorded a better way
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Post by riogrande on Jul 22, 2014 6:49:36 GMT -8
Not having the equalizer will only be bad if you are a sound freak but this seems to be the decoder used in bachmann's engines.. Bachmann is using Tsunami decoders? same one as the SD40?
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Post by bnsf971 on Jul 22, 2014 7:14:38 GMT -8
Not having the equalizer will only be bad if you are a sound freak but this seems to be the decoder used in bachmann's engines.. Bachmann is using Tsunami decoders? same one as the SD40? Bachmann is using Soundtraxx sound decoders with Tsunami sound files. Many of the sounds are not present on Bachmann's version, such as startup, shutdown, air compressor, dynamic brake, radiator fans, and only three different horn files.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Jul 22, 2014 7:59:15 GMT -8
Many of the sounds are not present on Bachmann's version, such as startup, shutdown, air compressor, dynamic brake, radiator fans, and only three different horn files. Now THAT, to my kindergarten mind, truly sucks. Ed
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Post by grahamline on Jul 22, 2014 10:31:23 GMT -8
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Post by riogrande on Jul 22, 2014 10:37:53 GMT -8
Bachmann is using Tsunami decoders? same one as the SD40? Bachmann is using Soundtraxx sound decoders with Tsunami sound files. Many of the sounds are not present on Bachmann's version, such as startup, shutdown, air compressor, dynamic brake, radiator fans, and only three different horn files. Is the decoder in the Athearn RTR SD40 going to be the same as this in terms of features? While I haven't operates sound much yet, have to ask my self if I've ever heard a diesel start up or shut down, so those seem to be sound files that would be non-essential or trivial to me, but sounds commonly hear while idling or operating pulling a train, of course those would be important. I could imagine air compressors and dynamic brakes, radiator fans being part of that. Cheers, Jim
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Post by bnsf971 on Jul 22, 2014 12:18:31 GMT -8
Bachmann is using Soundtraxx sound decoders with Tsunami sound files. Many of the sounds are not present on Bachmann's version, such as startup, shutdown, air compressor, dynamic brake, radiator fans, and only three different horn files. Is the decoder in the Athearn RTR SD40 going to be the same as this in terms of features? While I haven't operates sound much yet, have to ask my self if I've ever heard a diesel start up or shut down, so those seem to be sound files that would be non-essential or trivial to me, but sounds commonly hear while idling or operating pulling a train, of course those would be important. I could imagine air compressors and dynamic brakes, radiator fans being part of that. Cheers, Jim I copied this directly from the announcement page: Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami sound Sound units operate in both DC and DCC At this point, anything else is just speculation.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Jul 22, 2014 12:28:32 GMT -8
I copied this directly from the announcement page: Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami sound Sound units operate in both DC and DCC At this point, anything else is just speculation. Anything? It sounds like Dave's list of details is more than just speculation. Ed
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Post by bnsf971 on Jul 22, 2014 12:51:04 GMT -8
I copied this directly from the announcement page: Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami sound Sound units operate in both DC and DCC At this point, anything else is just speculation. Anything? It sounds like Dave's list of details is more than just speculation. Ed Until somebody here gets one of these sound decoders in their hands and confirms it, or someone in an official capacity from either Sondtraxx or Athearn officially states what Dave posted is factual, it is only speculation. It may be experienced and informed speculation, but still speculation. As I have been thoroughly smacked down at least once on this forum for repeating what a manufacturer told me without being able to show verifiable sources, I don't know who Dave is or what his capacity in this hobby is, and anything he posts is no more than speculation.
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Post by grabbem88 on Jul 22, 2014 14:22:28 GMT -8
For $50 sound upgrade you get what you pay for and you gotta be dreaming that high quality tsunami sound can be had at that price.. Retail not ebay or second hand..
And when functions are eliminated even if they are basic light functions then scratch off or limit sound function..
What you get is a soundtraxx "smart board"....
They are ok but bemf isn't all that great and motor performance suffers...
Before I get railroaded the sd40 seems to be a great starting point even for sound.... Just not sure if people were expecting more and more for the price..
For the record mine will have no sound cause I prefer esu over tsunami sound so the non sound is still a good price
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Post by riogrande on Jul 22, 2014 15:19:52 GMT -8
All food for thought.
Of course I think we'll know more by the time any SP units are shipped since these current offerings will be on the market by then so I should be able to make a more informed decision with more then speculation.
Cheers, Jim
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Post by carrman on Jul 22, 2014 15:30:29 GMT -8
Would the fact I got it from Horizon themselves lend anymore credence?
Dave
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Post by Spikre on Jul 22, 2014 17:34:57 GMT -8
Dave, with Athearn being a Revolving Door over the past decade or so, would wait to have a model in Hand before making Statements of what it will or wont be. they could get me to spring for a Silent CNJ Red Barron SD40 to run with EL units on the Scranton trains. don't think i'll be around long enuff to see a Kato Red Barron ? Spikre
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Post by carrman on Jul 22, 2014 18:05:41 GMT -8
No, I think from now on when I learn something like the decoder info for the SD40, I'll just keep it to myself, or just share it with friends in the hobby. Obviously it seems hardly anyone here wants to hear it.
Dave
PS, for those who don't believe what I said about it, have your local hobby shop inquire with their Horizon rep about the decoder differences. Bet you get the same email I got.
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Post by WP 257 on Jul 23, 2014 5:37:12 GMT -8
Dave--
Don't let a few old curmudgeons dissuade you from posting the facts, when you have facts to share.
I personally don't care much for HO sound, but I of course want the advanced lighting functions--so factual information of what Athearn says will or will not be included in a model is always very useful to me.
Thank you very much for informing us.
P.S. Flashing beacons in plain DC mode without sound was one of the selling points when I purchased the Proto 2000 Santa Fe GP-30(u).
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Post by riogrande on Jul 23, 2014 6:02:29 GMT -8
Dave, information is a good thing. I am not a big sound person either but I do like to know as much as possible before buying.
Thanks, Jim
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Post by alcoc430 on Jul 23, 2014 9:33:35 GMT -8
No, I think from now on when I learn something like the decoder info for the SD40, I'll just keep it to myself, or just share it with friends in the hobby. Obviously it seems hardly anyone here wants to hear it. Dave PS, for those who don't believe what I said about it, have your local hobby shop inquire with their Horizon rep about the decoder differences. Bet you get the same email I got. I appreciate your inside info on this and other threads.
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Post by IAISfan on Jul 23, 2014 10:36:06 GMT -8
No, I think from now on when I learn something like the decoder info for the SD40, I'll just keep it to myself, or just share it with friends in the hobby. Obviously it seems hardly anyone here wants to hear it. Dave PS, for those who don't believe what I said about it, have your local hobby shop inquire with their Horizon rep about the decoder differences. Bet you get the same email I got. I appreciate your inside info on this and other threads. Same here Dave. When I first read about the SD40s having Tsunamis, I assumed they'd have the same capabilities as what we see on Genesis products which, for my needs, don't lack anything of importance. I should have known better given the price point, so I appreciated the info you shared. Sure, details could change between now and when they hit the streets, but it was at least nice to have a heads-up on what to expect. I don't have a need for any SD40s (as tempting as the Q or UP units are), but your post helps me to know what to watch for down the road on future sound-equipped RTR offerings.
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Post by wisconsincentral on Jul 23, 2014 11:48:48 GMT -8
Dave,
I appreciate your comments. I love reading from experts and then putting them into practice on my railroad. I am very much on beginner when it comes to DCC.
Scott WC FAn
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Post by Spikre on Jul 23, 2014 12:30:57 GMT -8
Dave, maybe this isn't the rite thread to talk about the Hosed Triple Air Cylinder Clasp Brake Flexi-Coils ? seems like Your giving them a PASS on that Glitch. Spikre
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Post by carrman on Jul 23, 2014 12:53:51 GMT -8
Dave, maybe this isn't the rite thread to talk about the Hosed Triple Air Cylinder Clasp Brake Flexi-Coils ? seems like Your giving them a PASS on that Glitch. Spikre No, I'm not giving them a pass on them, but I have no need for them. They do appear to just be warmed over SD9 trucks missing outboard brake shoes, not a true later version Fleixcoil triple clasp. Dave
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Post by Spikre on Jul 23, 2014 12:58:36 GMT -8
?? Dave, didn't one order of SD39s have the Clasp Brakes ? or was the CB&Q U23Cs ? Spikre
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Post by carrman on Jul 23, 2014 13:10:03 GMT -8
All the SD39's had single clasp brakes. The Q U23C's had triple clasp trucks.
Dave
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