Intelligent Consisting…What exactly is it? In a nutshell, Intelligent Consisting is a method for quickly adding SoundCar-equipped models to a train without CV programming. It's DCC consisting "with the wave of a wand." Before I explain it in greater detail, here’s a quick background story: It was one of those great “aha!” moments that we had while testing the Tsunami SoundCar prototype decoders. While operating several SoundCar-equipped models on my layout, Jarrette and I realized that it was a time-consuming (and not-so-fun) task to independently program each SoundCar decoder into a consist. We needed to find a better, easier way to consist decoder-equipped locomotives and rolling stock. We brainstormed several ideas with our engineering team and came up with a clever solution – a magnetic sensor on the decoder to activate a consisting mode. All it takes is the wave of a magnet over the decoder in the model and four presses of the F8 key to add it to a consist. So, rather than setting CV 19 (Consist Address) in each SoundCar decoder, you can do one sequence (wave a magnet over all cars and then press F8 four times) to add multiple SoundCar-equipped models to a consist. Real-World and SoundCar Examples With Intelligent Consisting, you are also playing the role of the brakeman. The SoundCar will play prototypical sound effects to acknowledge the completion of the brakeman tasks. When you first wave the magnet (i.e., brake club) over the decoder, you will hear the hand brake being untied, just like in the following video clips:
Prototype Hand Brake Untie
SoundCar Hand Brake Untie
After you press F8 on your cab four times, you will hear a light hiss of the retainer bleeding off to indicate that the car is hooked into the train line. It sounds like this:
SoundCar Retainer Bleed-off
Note: At the end of this video, you can also hear the sound of the cylinder setting since the brakes are set in the locomotive. When it joins a consist, the SoundCar decoder recognizes which functions are enabled in the locomotive's decoder, and responds accordingly.
When you remove a car from the consist, simply wave the magnet over the decoder again and listen for the sounds of the hand brake being tied down and set, as demonstrated in the video clips:
Prototype Hand Brake Tie Down and Set
SoundCar Hand Brake Tie Down and Set
Putting It All Together: Intelligent Consisting Steps In summary, here’s how Intelligent Consisting works with Tsunami SoundCar Digital Sound Decoders:
Wave a magnet over the decoder in the models (Note: We recommend installing the decoder to the inside of the model’s roof with the magnetic sensor facing outward).
Listen for the sounds of the hand brakes being untied to confirm that the decoders are waiting for a signal from the command station.
From your cab controlling the locomotive or consist, press F8 four times (Note: This function sequence can be remapped to any function key, 1-12).
Listen for a light hiss of the air retainer bleed-off to confirm that the cars are now part of train. When your train pulls away, the sounds of the SoundCar-equipped models will be in sync with the locomotive.
SoundCar Intelligent Consisting
Note: The other sounds that are activated in the SoundCar decoders in this video are flat spots, generator, and the clickety-clack. Listen to our online SoundCar audio clip to hear more of the 20-plus sound effects available in the decoder.
Cutting a car from the consist is even easier! Just wave the magnet over the model again and listen for the sound of the hand brake being tied and set.
At SoundTraxx, our goal is to make your model railroading experience as fun and realistic as possible. We’re excited to introduce yet another innovative product that will change the way you run your layout. If you have an opportunity to try out Intelligent Consisting, please do so and let us know what you think! You can email your feedback to customernews@soundtraxx.com.
Learn about full train operations during the free clinic, “Braking, Switching & Running: Railroading With Tsunami Decoders,” presented by SoundTraxx sales rep George Bogatiuk at stores in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
Using prototypical scenarios, George will demonstrate all of the sound effects and features in Tsunami Digital Sound Decoders for locomotives and rolling stock that will enhance how you run your railroad. He’ll also showcase the new Tsunami SoundCar and its new Intelligent Consisting feature, which makes consisting a breeze with the wave of a magnet. In addition, George will be on-hand to answer any of your DCC questions.
Lin’s Junction Lansdale, PA Tuesday, September 30, 2014 7:30 p.m.
It’s time to get back on track! The cooler September weather serves as a reminder to get rolling again on model railroad projects, and we have new products that you need to try out! It’s been an incredibly busy year for all of us and we have a lot to catch up on. And just a reminder, for monthly updates delivered right to your in-box, sign up for our free customer e-newsletter, “SoundBits.” Send an email request to customernews@soundtraxx.com to be added to the list.
First, we have a couple new SoundTraxx products to introduce -- the Tsunami SoundCar™ Digital Sound Decoder for rolling stock and the CurrentKeeper™ power accessory. In this post, we'll discuss the features of the SoundCar and introduce its Intelligent Consisting feature. We've also included instructions for DIY electrical pickups.
We also have a few Blackstone Models announcements to share, along with a photo recap of the layouts we visited during the National Narrow Gauge Convention in Kansas City.
Finally, we have details on our upcoming in-store clinics in the northeast and some "groundbreaking" news.
New SoundTraxx Products
Tsunami SoundCar Digital Sound Decoder for Rolling Stock
Tsunami SoundCar Digital Sound Decoder
For the first half of the year, we were busy putting the final touches on the latest addition to our line of Tsunami Digital Sound Decoders – the SoundCar, which we released in June. The SoundCar is the only 16-bit DCC decoder that provides sound and lighting effects for all types of rolling stock in all scales. The SoundCar includes a variety of railcar-specific recordings, such as wheel noises (including clickety-clack, flange squeal, and flat spots), generator, brake cylinders, emergency brake valve (“big hole”), and glad hand release. It also includes a selection of user-adjustable horns, bells and whistles for cab cars and cabooses. The sounds are adjustable for various types of cars, from bobber cabooses to 6-axle observation cars, and the decoder includes automated sound sequences, such as complete train line braking. Now you can stop missing out on half the fun!
Watch the video!
These 47mm x 14mm x 8.5mm universal-style decoders are easy to install in virtually any scale and work with 8-ohm speakers. The SoundCar also includes a 2-pin plug for optionally using our CurrentKeeper (another new product we released this year) to maintain sounds and lights during momentary power losses due to finicky wheel pickups and not-so-perfect track.
Individual SoundCar decoders retail for $42.50 MSRP (P.N. 829100) and a 3-pack is available for $112.95 MSRP (P.N. 829110). For the best experience, we recommend installing a SoundCar in every third or fourth car in your train.
Intelligent Consisting
In addition to being the first DCC decoder of its kind, the Tsunami SoundCar introduces a new method for creating consists called Intelligent Consisting. This innovative feature came about during the testing phase where our sales team, Jarrette and George, discovered that programming all of the SoundCar-equipped models into a consist was cumbersome and time-consuming. Our design engineers came up with an clever method that uses a magnetic sensor to initiate consisting rather than having to individually program each unit’s CVs. We coined this method “Intelligent Consisting,” since the decoder “knows” when it’s supposed to be synchronized with a consist with the wave of a magnet. By reducing the number of steps required to set up consists, Intelligent Consisting represents a 90% time-savings over the traditional method!
Here’s how it works (follow along if you have SoundCar decoders):
For this example, set your SoundCar decoders and locomotive decoder to have CV 3 = 25, CV 4 = 75 and CV 61 = 178.
Any magnet will work to activate
Intelligent Consisting.
Couple the SoundCar-equipped units with your locomotive. Wave any magnet over each unit with a SoundCar (Note: If possible, install the SoundCar to the underside of the model’s roof for easy access to the decoder’s magnetic sensor) and hear the hand brake being released, just like the railroads have to do. Now, from your cab controlling the locomotive, simply press F8 four times in a row. The SoundCar sees this action and then knows it is to join that address/consist. To indicate your car has joined the train, the air retainer will bleed off with a light hiss. Now simply pull away and the cars that have joined the train will start reproducing sound effects. After running, press F11. The sounds of the brakes applying throughout the train will play, but you will also notice the train slowing to a stop, as do the sounds from SoundCar! Applying the full train line brakes makes for a more fun and interesting operation session.
To release the car from the consist, simply wave the magnet over the decoder again. The sound of the brakeman tying down the hand brake will play to indicate that the car is no longer part of the train.
The best part of this method is that any number of cars can be added at one time. The F8 sequence only needs to be done once. This allows for all switching to be done, then at one time, the whole train can be synchronized with Intelligent Consisting and sent on its way. Adding and subtracting cars on the road is easy as well. Only the cars in consist search mode (activated by the magnet) are added/subtracted from the train.
DIY Electrical Pickups Since the SoundCar requires models to have electrical pickups, we’ve found a relatively easy way to use Kadee® No. 5 Centering Springs (Item #634) as wipers. At less than $3 for a dozen, these parts are also an inexpensive option for creating your own pickups.
The centering spring is comprised of a bronze plate with two spring “arms” that are each attached to opposite sides. You can modify the springs so that they rub along the backside of the wheels with the plate mounted to an insulated section of the bolster (you can use a small piece of insulated PCB or styrene) or directly to a plastic bolster.
We recommend first removing the wheelsets from the trucks for easier access to the bolsters. Next, modify the centering springs by using tweezers to pull the springs out and away from the plate. Then cut the plate so that it will neatly fit onto the bolster and does not cover the screw hole for mounting the trucks.
To create an electrical circuit, you may either solder a piece of 30- to 32-gauge wire to the center of the plate glued to the PCB or styrene or use a plastic screw drilled and tapped through the bolster to hold the wire in place. If you solder the wire (to provide a more reliable connection), use glue to mount the insulator and plate (if necessary) to the bolster. To determine where to mount the plate, use an assembled truck as a reference to gauge placement so that the springs are brushing up against the backside of the wheels.
In order to get a complete circuit, you will need to add a pickup for the right rail wire and one for the left rail wire. For optimal performance, add pickups to all of the wheels. If you can only equip one truck with pickups to each rail, install a CurrentKeeper to maintain power to the decoder.
Blackstone Models Announcements
The Blackstone Models product development team has been busy as well working on the K-28 and K-36 Mikado releases, ProTraxx turnouts, and our first run of D&RGW 30’ Refrigerator Cars, which will all be available late 2015. We understand that the announcement of these products has generated much excitement and anticipation. We appreciate your patience during the engineering and production processes as numerous factors come into play. However, please know that we are working hard to get these models into stores and onto your layout.
And finally, our D&RG C-19 No. 345 model in her “movie scheme” decoration made an encore appearance at this year’s National Narrow Gauge Convention. We are pleased to offer a limited
re-release of this unique “stunt engine” in her bumblebee-style paint scheme as she appeared in the 1950s Western movie, “Denver & Rio Grande.” These show-stopping models are now available from authorized retailers.
34th National Narrow Gauge Convention
One of our favorite activities at train shows is visiting the layouts at the venue and in the area. George and Jarrette toured some amazing layouts during the 34th National Narrow Gauge Convention in Kansas City. They especially enjoyed seeing how the layouts use SoundTraxx and Blackstone Models products. Here are a few of our favorite photos from the world-class layouts and modules we saw in the Kansas City area. We wish we had more time to visit all of them! To see more photos, check out our Facebook album.
Chuck Hitchcock, MMR, Argentine Industrial District Railway
Don Ball, MMR, Stockton & Copperopolis Railroad
Mike Borkon, Union Pacific’s Wyoming Third Subdivision
John Vandenburg, D&RGW Durango Division
Upcoming Clinics
The SoundTraxx "Road Show" is headed to the northeast, where George will present in-store clinics on realistic railroad operations using Tsunami decoders. He also will demonstrate the new SoundCar decoder for rolling stock.
Lin’s Junction Lansdale, PA Tuesday, September 30, 2014 7:30 p.m.
Architect rendering of the new
SoundTraxx building coming in 2015
To round out our year, we broke ground on our new 20,000 sq. ft. facility on September 10. Our new location is near our current facility in Durango, Colorado. We think it’s a fitting milestone as we celebrate our 25th year anniversary next year. Having out-grown our current facility, it will be great to have everyone back under one roof! Stay tuned for updates and photos during the process!
SoundTraxx owners Nancy Workman and Steve Dominguez
break ground for the new building.
Happy New Year to all! We hope everyone had a safe and a happy holiday season. We would also like to thank all of our loyal customers for helping make 2013 a successful year!
As we ring in the New Year, we have a few projects we are working on to help make 2014 an even better year.
In this post, we will recap a few trips that were taken toward the end of the year. We’ll also talk about upcoming appearances where you can see our staff. Ever wanted to tour our facility? Now you can take a quick peek behind the scenes! Last for our Tech Tip: Some quick tips on using LEDs with our decoders.
Milwaukee Trainfest
We were again on display at the annual Trainfest held in Milwaukee. As usual, this was a busy show with lots to see! Trainfest is always one of our favorite shows to go to. For information on this annual spectacle of trains, visit www.trainfest.com.
While there, we were able to visit the North American Prototype Modelers (NAPM) at their 5,000 sq. ft. home and see their impressive HO layout. The Union Station scene is nothing less than impressive. One could spend 30 minutes on just this scene and still not see every detail they have put into it! This is a great place to visit because they are always working on improving and finishing the layout, so scenes change each time we get to visit. While there, we saw many SoundTraxx Tsunami-equipped locos running around the layout. If you are in the area, or for more info about this great club, please visit http://napmltd.org.
This was a good stop as it checked another Big Boy (No. 4017) off the "to see" list for George and Jarrette (and it was the first for marketing coordinator Tracey). This museum had quite a few locos, including some that allowed visitors to explore the cabs. It was quite cold and time was short, but we got to see most of the museum’s collection. For information on this museum, visit www.nationalrrmuseum.org.
Oklahoma City Train Show
Photo from website
Unfortunately, there was heavy snow and ice throughout the area, making travel to this show difficult for many, especially in the North Texas region. We did have a great time meeting with the modelers who were able to make it out.
While there, Jarrette and George visited the Oklahoma City Railroad Museum and saw some of their equipment, which is in great shape thanks to the dedicated volunteers! They are currently in the process of restoring a CF-7 to full operating condition with new paint.
Future Appearances
In 2014, George will be at TrainLand in Lynbrook, NY on January 18 from 10am to 6pm for product demonstrations and to answer your questions.
Next, he will be at DCB Hobbies in East Setauket on Sunday, January 19 from 3pm to 5pm for a Tsunami clinic. Space is limited, so please call ahead and reserve a spot.
We will be attending the Amherst Railway Society’s Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield, MA held on January 25 and 26 at the Big E. George and Jarrette will be giving clinics on using the Tsunami for steam and diesel locomotives on Friday evening at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Hotel starting at 4:30 pm. For more information about this show, visit www.railroadhobbyshow.com.
Next will be the Rocky Mountain Toy Train Show in Denver, CO on March 1 and 2. We are working on offering some clinics in the area as well. Visit their website at www.rockymountaintoytrainshow.com.
If you are ever in the Durango, CO area, you are welcome to come by and have a tour of our facility. Just be sure to call ahead to schedule your visit.
However, if you are unable to visit, you can now get a glimpse of our facility in our factory tour video. This shows the process it takes to manufacture and test our decoders here in Durango and an opportunity to meet most of our great staff!
Tech Tip: Using LEDs with Tsunami
LEDs are a great tool for lighting up locomotives and cars. While delivering a brilliant light source, they do not get hot and therefore do not threaten to damage the model. Also, the usage life of an LED is significantly longer, so it will almost never need to be replaced. To take advantage of what LEDs offer, here are a few things that should be kept in mind:
1) LEDs are polarity sensitive. This means that the positive (+) lead needs to be connected to the positive power supply and the negative (-) lead to the negative power supply. If the LED is connected in reverse, it will not illuminate, but no damage is done to the component. If a LED does not operate properly, be sure to double-check the wiring and switch leads if necessary. It is important to know that when using NMRA DCC, the blue common wire or tab is the positive (+) lead and the function output wires (white, yellow, brown, and green) are the negative (-) leads.
2) LEDs need around 3.3V to illuminate properly. In many cases, this means that a current-limiting resistor is necessary to put in-line with one of the leads to the LED. Be sure to know the output power on the decoder of choice. SoundTraxx offers many different board formats, with a few of them pre-regulated for use with LEDs, thus there is no need for the resistor. These are the TSU-BW1000 (designed for Bowser/Stewart models) and the TSU-KT1000 (designed for Kato models). The TSU-GN1000 (designed for Athearn Genesis models) is regulated for 1.5V output, which is not enough for the LEDs. Please contact us for assistance with this decoder.
3) When using LEDs, it is best for each LED to have its own current-limiting resistor in the circuit with it. So if it is determined that there should be two LEDs for a headlight, it would be best to use two resistors as well (one for each LED). Usually a 1k (1,000) ohm resistor is sufficient for one LED. Changing the value of the resistor will alter the brilliance of the LED. For example, if using LEDs for class lights, which are significantly dimmer than the headlight, a 3.3k resistor can easily be used to tone these LEDs down so that they do not appear as another headlight.
4) In the SoundTraxx line of decoders, we have built in an LED Compensation Mode that uses CVs 49-52. Incandescent bulbs are voltage sensitive, which means that as the voltage changes, the brilliance does as well. LEDs are electronic devices and these variances in the voltage do little to change the effect because the LED is more current sensitive. By adding 128 to the value in these CVs, the decoder alters the signal that is sent to the LED, helping the LED behave (and appear) more like an incandescent bulb and deliver a more brilliant and realistic lighting effect.
There are many uses for LEDs in model railroading. With the LEDs that are available now from SoundTraxx, a more realistic appearance and effect can be achieved in your models as well!
With the summer over, cooler temperatures, and the kids back in school, it’s time for model railroading.
We have some exciting news on the Blackstone Models front that we announced at the National Narrow Gauge Convention in Pasadena, CA. While there, Jarrette and George got to see quite a few steam locos and visit a couple of model railroads on the road trip.
Last, our Tech Tip will involve installing decoders and what it means to isolate the motor.
Blackstone Models News
We are proud to announce the road numbers and part numbers for the upcoming K-28 and K-36 projects. These are currently on schedule for a late 2015 release. Visit our website for more information:
These are now available for advance reservation through your favorite hobby shops.
ProTraxx, our new HOn3 track system with integrated roadbed, has been very popular with modelers. We also are working on a turnout design. When we are further along with this part of the ProTraxx product line, we will make the official announcements with the details.
National Narrow Gauge Road Trip
This year we were on display again at the National Narrow Gauge Convention in Pasadena, CA. This trip was a little different as George drove down early to present a few clinics in the area.
Special thanks goes to Milepost 38 Model Trains in Anaheim Hills and Arnie’s Trains in Westminster for hosting free Tsunami demonstration clinics in their stores. While he was there, George also visited Reed’s Hobby shop in La Mesa (San Diego area), Railmaster Hobbies in Bellflower, and Train Shack in Burbank.
After Jarrette arrived on Wednesday morning, they drove up to Pasadena, passing Pomona on the way. With the recent announcement that the Union Pacific has started the restoration of the Big Boy #4014 at the fairgrounds, they decided to stop and see it before it moves to Cheyenne for the complete overhaul.
They have quite a few locos at the fairgrounds, all of which are in good shape. Besides the Big Boy, they had UP 4-12-2 #9000, Santa Fe 4-6-4 #3450, and a UP Centennial Diesel #6913 and more. One of the volunteers even let them up in the cab of the #4104 to sit in the engineer’s seat. For more information about this loco collection, or to make a donation to the museum, please visit www.railgiants.com.
During one of the convention breaks, they came across Travel Town at Griffith Park in Los Angeles, so they figured they’d stop in. There were numerous steam locos on display, including small 4-4-0, a Heisler, a Shay, and even a diesel from the California and Western “Skunk” Train that Jarrette had ridden behind in his youth.
For more information or to donate, visit http://traveltown.org.
While at the convention, the Slim Gauge Guild was open for a layout tour in Pasadena. There is a HOn3 layout and a Sn3 layout on display, with many examples of fine modeling and scenery. Included on the HOn3 layout are Durango, Salida, the famous Black Canyon Bridge outside Gunnison, Ophir Loop, and Lizard Head Pass.
The HO standard gauge layout even features the suspended bridge on the Royal Gorge Route. For more information, including the open house schedule, please visit www.slimgaugeguild.com
George and Jarrette also had fun at the convention. They especially enjoyed seeing the modeling talent on display with the HOn3 North Coast Narrow Gaugers modular layout and the On30 collection of five clubs. As always, it was fun for them to see many fellow modelers and friends enjoying the show, including TV star and model railroader Michael Gross. If an opportunity arises to attend this show, be sure to go. It is fun and inspiring.
The drive home would take them to Kingman, AZ, home of the Santa Fe #3759, sister locomotive to the #3751.
Our travelers also stopped at the Grand Canyon Railroad in Williams, AZ to see retired 2-8-0 Consolidation #29 on display at the depot, looking like she could be fired up at any time.
Unfortunately, time was a factor, so they did not have time for a ride. For more information on this scenic trip, please visit www.thetrain.com.
After lunch in Flagstaff, George and Jarrette watched a few modern BNSF trains run through the mainline for about 20 minutes and saw five trains pass. This is part of the LA to Chicago mainline, so it was definitely busy.
It was a seemingly long road trip, but they were able to see many remnants of steam railroading, as well as examples of modern-day railroading along the way.
Tech Tip: Isolating the Motor
When installing a decoder into an analog (DC or direct current) locomotive model, it is important to determine the flow of electricity through the model, from the right rail to the motor and lights, and then to the left rail.
Most modern releases have electricity flowing through a small circuit board that has a plug that the decoder can easily fit into. Isolating the motor is as simple as unplugging the "dummy" board. This board internally connects the track power to the motor and light circuits.
On older models and brass, isolating the motor is not as simple. In many cases, the track power is picked up through the wheels and transferred to the frame, making it "hot." The loco is hot to one rail (let’s say positive lead or +), while the tender traditionally picks up power from the other rail (negative or -).
The motor in the loco has one terminal grounded to the frame to pick up the positive rail power. A single wire is then connected to the other terminal of the motor and connected to the insulated drawbar, from which the negative power from the tender frame is transferred.
To isolate the motor, it is imperative to identify these conductive paths to separate the motor terminals to accept power only from the dedicated wires from the decoder and not from the frame (which is carrying track power). In many cases, there is a small brass tab soldered to the motor terminal and then to the motor casing as a quick, simple way to transfer the power to the motor from the frame, as shown here in this old AHM GG1.
Unsolder or cut this tab. Test that the motor is isolated by using a multi-meter set to continuity tester, and touch the terminal with one lead, then touch the other lead to the frame. There should be no conductivity now. Attach a wire to the motor terminal that now can simply be routed to the orange wire from the decoder. (Or optionally through our DBX-9000 loco-to-tender wiring harness, P.N. 810132). Since the other motor terminal already has a wire on it to the drawbar, disconnect from the drawbar and this can be rerouted (through the DBX-9000) to the gray motor lead from the decoder.
On some of the older Athearn "Blue Box" Diesels, this connection to the frame was two cut out tabs from the clip on the bottom of the motor.
To isolate the motor in this case, the tabs would need to be removed, and a small layer of electric insulating tape can be laid down under the motor as insurance. Then, simply solder a gray motor lead to the clip and run this to the decoder.
As an insurance policy, run some insulative tape under the motor before reinstalling to prevent any accidental contact.
Now the motor is isolated from the track power-carrying frame of the loco and will only run based on the power sent to it directly from the decoder through the wires.
This is just a couple of examples, but applying these techniques to the next install will help make installation much easier, and prevent a Trouble Code 11 (motor connection fault) from flashing the headlight.
With summer almost over and kids headed back to school, it’s time to refocus on your model train hobby. So with that in mind, we’ll get this post going with a recap of SoundTraxx’ summer activities, including our annual Dealer Training Seminar. We’ll also briefly touch on Blackstone Models news. And we’ll finish with a preview of upcoming clinics and show appearances.
True West Railfest 2013
Last weekend, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad held its annual True West Railfest. We saw the Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose No. 5, as well as the restored C-18 Consolidation No. 315, running excursions up and down the line this weekend. Railfest has many photo specials, extra trains, and fun for all the family.
SoundTraxx News
Summer has been busy here as we again displayed at the National Train Show held in Atlanta. There, we announced two new speakers to the lineup that we are really excited about. The 30mm round speaker (P.N. 818114) is ideal for installation in Atlas and other models already equipped with the speaker housing. We also added a 35mm x 20mm oval speaker (P.N. 810115). With a slight addition to the width, this speaker really packs a wide frequency range and great volume. These will be shipping soon.
Next was our Annual Dealer Training Seminar. Every year, we invite our dealers to come participate in classes we have structured to help the retailers become more familiar with our products and services. This year, we had a great group from all across the United States. Be sure to check your favorite hobby shop for the Dealer Training Star by their name on our dealer list. Also check out our 2013 Dealer Training Seminar Facebook album.
Blackstone Models Announcement: K-28 and K-36 Mikados!
We are happy to announce that our next all-new locomotives to be produced by Blackstone Models will be the K-28 and K-36. We have not yet announced the fine details, such as road numbers, part numbers, and price. We are hoping to get these nailed down soon. Keep checking back with us for updates.
Upcoming Appearances
We will be in the L.A. area for the National Narrow Gauge Convention being held August 28-31 this year in Pasadena, CA. We will be in the area giving clinics at Milepost 38 Trains in Anaheim and Arnie’s Trains on August 24, 25 and 26. We are also giving clinics at the convention, as well as displaying our products and showing off our newest announcements. If you are in the area, be sure to contact the stores for availability of room at their clinics, or come by and register for the NNGC and see us. There is always a fun time to be had.
May brings nicer temperatures and great weather, but that’s no reason to slow or stop modeling for the summer. With children and grandchildren visiting, families taking time from work to go on vacation, why not stay home and work on model trains together, build a kit, finish that scenery in the corner or install a decoder into that great locomotive model that’s been put off? Besides being a great learning experience for young modelers, it’s an opportunity to spend time with the hobby as a family! With that in mind, we have lots of good stuff to discuss here this month. First, we’ll share some new Application Notes (installation documents). Next we have some special announcements from Blackstone Models. Finally, we’ll share our new SoundTraxx YouTube channel and this month’s Tech Tip, Setting Up an Articulated Chuff.
First Train to Silverton
With the beginning of May comes Opening Day for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) resuming service to Silverton.
For the ‘kick off’ of the summer season, they annually hold a big party at the depot with free hot dogs, live music from the Bar D Wranglers, and access to a few of the first-class cars for scouting out the best seats. We always try to go down to the depot for a fun lunchtime activity.
This year, Narrow Gauge Day was held on May 3 to kick off the summer season of the D&SNGRR. For train tickets and information, visit www.durangotrain.com
New Application Notes
We have been working hard on our Application Notes to help you with decoder installations. These are designed to help give confidence to all modelers that they can install sound in models that are not offered with factory-installed sound.
Bachmann “Standard Line” HO GP7 and GP9
These models use the TSU-AT1000 for EMD 567 (P.N. 828040) and our 28mm (1″) round speaker (P.N. 810054).
The new “NS Heritage” models are now arriving in stores, so we thought we’d share this link again for your convenience. These models use the TSU-AT1000 for GE FDL-16 Modern (P.N. 828038) and our 23mm small Mega Bass speaker (P.N. 810129).
Blackstone Models Announces New Frameless Tank Cars!
We are excited to announce a new run of Frameless Tank Cars in the UTLX ‘GRAMPS’ paint scheme. We are offering three new road numbers, available either factory weathered or non-weathered. These are not expected to last long, so be sure to contact your favorite hobby shop quickly for these popular HOn3 cars. These cars are going to be shipping out to our dealers in mid-July.
We have received word that the non-weathered versions of our C-19s have left the factory overseas and are expected to arrive in Durango in early June. Due to a manufacturing flaw in the paint for the weathering, they did not pass our inspections, and therefore have to be completely rebuilt. These are expected to arrive 60-90 days after the arrival of the non-weathered versions. We apologize for any inconveniences.
Now is the time to be sure your favorite hobby shop has your order for these popular locos. The weathered versions of these locomotives are sold out, but we do currently have a limited supply of non-weathered versions available. If you’d like more information on these locomotives, please visit www.blackstonemodels.com.
New YouTube Channel
In an effort to help showcase the features of our Tsunami products, we have started a new YouTube channel. Our first video stars our newest sound file, the NRE GenSet. Be sure to subscribe to our channel as we are working on new videos to add.
Tech Tip: Chuff Type, Conventional Rod vs. Simple Articulated
“More power!” is what Tim Taylor famously said on the TV show “Home Improvement.” With that in mind, it inevitably translates into our modeling – we all love big steam. Whether a 4-8-4 or a 4-8-8-4 Big Boy, the Tsunami has the chuff pattern to match your favorite model! All of our Tsunami steam decoders have the ability to simulate the articulated 8-chuff per revolution of a simple articulated locomotive. This is controlled in CV 112.
CV 112 controls the quantity of airpumps sounded (one or two) to match the prototype. It also allows you to select a simple articulated steam loco, which has an 8-chuff per revolution cadence as it runs down the track. These chuffs from the two sets of drivers on the steam loco can go in and out of sync, so the Tsunami steam decoders allow you to select from four speeds of wheel slip: none, slow, medium, and fast to reproduce the unique shifting cadence as the loco runs down the track.
Using CV 112 also allows you to simulate a double-headed train using a Tsunami-equipped steam loco with a non-sound equipped steam loco and still give the irregular, shifting cadence that is prevalent on most double-head steam consists!
For more information about this feature, see the Steam User’s Guide and refer to page 44.
