SoundBytes 7-30-12

NMRA National convention and the National Train Show are being held this week.

If you are in attendance, be sure to come by and say Hi! Jarrette will be giving clinics on Tuesday and Wednesday on prototypically using the Tsunami decoders, speed matching and consisting.  We will be there with a full staff at the show Friday, 9-12 for NMRA Members and 12-6 for the general public, Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-5.  More information can be found at http://www.nationaltrainshow.org/

New announcements!

A few items are ripe for announcement at the NMRA convention. Included is a new Blackstone Models passenger car three-pack “Chili Line” cars in Pullman Green. These cars, road numbers 284, 306, and 320, come with the conductor’s bay window factory installed and ready for service. These will be shipping out soon, without a traditional pre-order period.

B350112      Chili-Line Passenger 3-pack    MSRP $280

Next up is a car that was requested, and we admit, looks good. We are announcing HOn3 3-bay open top hoppers painted in a D&RGW Flying Grande scheme. These former EBT Hoppers made their way all over the country, including Durango, Chama, and did service on the White Pass as well. We took a bit of liberty and added D&RGW to the list as if they were dispersed throughout the country from the EBT a bit earlier.  This car is decorated following the paint scheme and numbering sequence of their standard gauge counterparts. These are available in only 2 road numbers, though, meaning quantities are limited. These cars are available now to ship out immediately.

B340708      D&RGW 3-bay hopper #950   MSRP $54.95

B340708W  D&RGW 3-bay hopper #950   MSRP $59.95

B340709      D&RGW 3-bay hopper #955   MSRP $54.95

B340709W  D&RGW 3-bay hopper #955   MSRP $59.95

Last for Blackstone Models is the release of the EBT hopper Vulcan truck assembly. These will be available to start shipping out immediately.

B370113 2-Bay Hopper Vulcan truck MSRP $12.95/pr

Tech Tip:
With most of the hobby’s major manufacturers now using SoundTraxx for their factory-installed sound, there are many manufacturer-specific CV defaults now. Each company is free to choose how their decoder is set up. Many of these do not match the default settings of the decoders that are purchased and installed by the modeler. We get many questions as to what are the default settings, so when making changes, the user knows where they are starting from.
On our homepage, http://www.soundtraxx.com/, down in the lower right, there is a box labeled “Quick Links”.

In this box, you will see “Factory-Installed Decoders.” Click here to be taken to the Factory-Installed page. Here each of the model manufacturers we supply are listed, Athearn, Bachmann, Bowser, Intermountain, S-Helper, Walthers and soon to be added, Rapido Trains. To find out about these specific models, click on any of the manufacturers, and this will pull up their page. Each manufacturer's page starts off with a little about the partnership we have with these companies. Scroll toward the bottom of the page, and listed by scale is each of that company’s models we have built decoders for. Click on any model to pull up its specific CV default list. These are the defaults selected by each company to more closely math their models.  These decoders do still adhere to the programming explained in the Tsunami User’s Guide for both Steam and Diesel.

Using this for each Tsunami factory-equipped model, you can achieve a standard operating scheme, or set volumes to be similar so you can have your whole fleet of locos operating to match your needs.

SoundBytes XLXIII

It has been a busy June here for us. Not only did we get the new shipment of Blackstone Models cars in, but we also held our annual dealer-training seminar.

We'd like to thank our dealers who attended the training this year. With July upon us, first, we hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday.  Now we start preparations for the NMRA National Convention. 

Blackstone Models:

Most of the new Blackstone Models cars have shipped off to the dealers. We do still have some of these popular cars remaining here, including the new passenger car numbers along with the red Denver and Rio Grande 3-pack!

These cars also look great with our flicker-free DCC lighting kit installed.  This lighting module easily fits into the roof of the model and uses LEDs to evenly illuminate the interior with adjustable brilliance and no flickering! This 4-function DCC decoder will compliment these great passenger cars.  (Part Number 810136, MSRP $35.95)

The EBT Hoppers have been getting great reviews, and are just about sold out! Don’t miss out on these great cars.

New C-19s: The D&RGW #346 Post-Wreck

Following the popularity of the Blackstone Models K-27 RGS #455 Post-wreck, with our new C-19 and 2-8-0 locomotive release, we will be including the D&RGW #346, as she existed after it was wrecked in 1936 on Kenosha Pass. The loco was re-built with a steel cab, a wood pilot beam, and the unique steam and sand domes on the boiler. Blackstone Models has chosen to model this version of the #346 C-19 as she appeared in the late 30’s to the late 40’s adorned with the Flying Grande herald that was applied in the mid 40’s. (B310210-S, B310210W-S for weathered version)  Dealers are taking orders now for this, and other C-19 and 2-8-0 locomotives for release in early 2013. More information on Blackstone Models upcoming C-19 and 2-8-0 release can be found here: http://www.blackstonemodels.com/new/c19/index.php

Trade shows:
We will be attending the upcoming NMRA National Convention and the National Train Show in Grand Rapids MI July 31st thru August 5th.  Jarrette will be giving 3 clinics on the features of the SoundTraxx’ Tsunami decoders and using Tsunami decoders in prototypical operations.  A lot of good information will be shared there. If you are in attendance, please come by the booth to say hello, and to see what is going on in the world of SoundTraxx and Blackstone Models

Tech Tip:
Every so often, we are asked questions or given suggestions from our customers that may have slipped under our radar. This tip comes from Matt Tjaden from Virginia. He found a way to set up his loco for a straight to Notch 8 feature using a single Function button with our Tsunami decoders. For F40PH Head End Power (HEP), the prime mover ran in notch 8 at all times to supply electrical power to the passenger coaches garnering them the nickname "Little Screamers". 

Using the Tsunami decoder, this can be achieved by using the Dynamic brake application feature set in CV 116. When the Dynamic brakes are applied, the different manufacturers of the locos had the prime mover do different things based on the needs. For an example that relates here, GE and ALCO typically had the prime mover run up to notch 8. To set this up, we’ll apply this Dynamic brake logic, but to prevent the dynamic brake fan sound, we’ll set this volume to 0. Here’s how it’s done. First, add 192 to the value in CV 116. Default value is 39 (7 (7 speed steps up or down notched the diesel engine) + 32 (Auto Start, loco sounds start up upon track power.)=39). Add in the 192 so the prime mover runs to notch 8 when F4 is applied. CV116 then will be 39+192=231. Next, set the volume level for the dynamic brakes (CV133) to 0. Now when F4 is pressed, the diesel engine will ramp up to notch 8, with no dynamic brake sounds, a perfect reproduction of the HEP sounds of a loco at the press of a button!

SoundBytes XLXII

While the temperatures start to get hot, so too are our New releases and announcements so far this year. Summer has arrived, and we have a piping hot edition of SoundBytes for you. We’ll discuss the new Blackstone Models arrivals, invite everyone for factory tours and introduce you to another of our dealers, Crusader Rail Service in Pennsylvania!

Factory Tours

Travel is part of many of our summer plans, usually to visit tourist railroads located throughout the world. We are lucky to have one of the most popular tourist destinations here in Durango with the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

If your travel plans include a visit to railroad in the San Juan Mountains, you are invited to come and tour our manufacturing facility. We do design and build all of our decoders here in Durango and you are welcome to come see what we do here. Because the railroad is a popular destination, we do get a lot of requests for tours, so if you are planning on coming, please call ahead to help us schedule a time for your visit.

We will be happy to see you! Our toll free number is 888.789.7637.

ProTraxx

We have recently received new updated samples of our New Integrated Roadbed Track system called ProTraxx.

This will become a full line of track sections including turnouts (Switches), multiple radius curves, multiple length straights, crossings, etc. To introduce this line of track products based on the KATO Unijoiner, we will start by offering an oval starter set and individual sections in 4-packs. We are expecting these first components to be available in the fall, with more to quickly follow. If you are interested in ProTraxx, be sure to let your hobby shop know! Feel free to contact us for more details.

Blackstone Models Shipments
The new run of Open Platform Passenger coaches, the new Narrow Frame UTLX Tank cars, and the all-new East Broad Top 3-Bay Open Top Hopper will be arriving soon. Quantities are limited, so be sure to get some of these cars on order with your local hobby shop to be sure you get yours before they are gone. These cars are hot items, so we do not expect them to last long at our facility.

Lighting Modules
With the impending release of the new run of Blackstone Models Passenger coaches, don’t forget to get the SoundTraxx Dual Mode Flicker Free Lighting Decoder, specifically for the coaches!

This uses the wipers supplied with the cars to easily illuminate the interior for your scale passengers! The MSRP is only $35.95 for a 4-function dual model decoder with the LED lights already in place!

810136- Lighting Dual Mode Decoder for Blackstone Models Passenger Coach
810137- Lighting Dual Model Decoder for Blackstone Models Long Caboose

New Release of C-19s, the RGS 41
We have received some of the first samples of the upcoming run of C-19 and 2-8-0 locomotives. Here we’ll share a pre-production photo of the New RGS 41.

These, along with the other C-19 and 2-8-0 locomotives are currently available for preorder.  More information can be found here: http://www.blackstonemodels.com/new/c19/index.php, http://www.blackstonemodels.com/loco/class70/class70.php, and http://www.blackstonemodels.com/loco/2-8-0/2-8-0.php. 

Dealer Spotlight: Crusader Rail Service:
CRUSADER RAIL SERVICES of Philadelphia, PA was created in 1997 by Ray & Mary Kaminski to offer custom sound system installations, repairs, upgrades and modifications to locomotives, rolling stock and railroad-related equipment.

Ray’s love of trains goes back to his first Lionel set in 1953, HO in 1959 and Narrow Gauge in the mid 60’s (favorite railroads include the Reading, EBT, B&O, D&RGW, Western Maryland, Maine Central and Maine 2-foot Railroads).

Mary came to the hobby much later, but is no less a narrow gauge fan.

The 2001 acquisition of a devoted narrow gauge business allowed Crusader Rail to expand into sales of HO, HOn3, S and O scale products for the craftsman-level modeler, in both standard and narrow gauges. They are a specialty shop, featuring unique vendors that are chosen for their quality and attention to detail. They are currently in the process of expanding their narrow gauge inventory.
In 2006, Crusader Rail became a SoundTraxx dealer along with Blackstone Models.  DCC and sound equipment, figures, track and turnouts, bridges, buildings, narrow gauge kits, tools, and detail parts are just some of the many items stocked.
Check out their website at http://www.crusaderrail.com/.  Or catch them at one of the over 14 major shows from Maine to Ohio that they attend. Ray and Mary can also be found at most of the Narrow Gauge Conventions. If you get the chance, call (215-482-7530) or email (crusaderrail@verizon.net) - you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

SoundBytes XLXI

Summer’s just about here! Graduations are going on, sun is out, and the Big National Train Shows are coming up quickly! Also, we will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 28^th.  We want to wish a special Thank You to all who have served in our country’s Military, and had family members who did so!  Your sacrifice and support help keep the world free.
We’ve got a few things to touch on this time, so lets get to it!


Traveling Clinics & Upcoming Shows
This past weekend, George was on the road to Little Rock, AR. While there, he was able to visit some of our dealers in the area, and deliver operation clinics to the shop owners and their customers. As always, we enjoy meeting everyone anywhere we go, and this was no exception. While there, he visited The Hobby Shop Deluxe in Dardanelle,

Rail & Sprue Hobbies in Jacksonville,

and Arkansas Traveler Hobbies in Bald Knob.

He was also able to visit a Mopac and Frisco inspired layout by Jon Swanson near Little Rock.

Last, because of a late flight, he was able to travel up to northern Arkansas and follow the Mopac’s White River Route. There was plenty of beautiful scenery there. After the trip, he was very glad he chose to model this portion of the Mopac for his home layout.

   

Upcoming shows that are scheduled include the National Train Show being held in Grand Rapids, MI this year in August. After that in September, we’ll be going to the National Narrow Gauge Convention in Seattle. We’re working on some projects for these shows, so be sure to keep checking in here and on our website for updates and other future appearances!

Blackstone Models:
We are expecting to receive our next shipment of Blackstone Models Products here in mid-June. Included in the shipment are the second run of passenger cars, the third run of narrow frame tank cars, and the All-New East Broad Top 3-bay hopper cars. These cars are not yet sold out, but quantities are getting low. Be sure to order your cars before they are gone.

Blackstone Models HOn3 2-8-0
With the new second run of C-19s, Blackstone Models has taken the opportunity to pique the interest of modelers of an earlier era. The New Painted and Unlettered 2-8-0 Early Diamond Stack loco is designed to be a generic Turn of the Century Consolidation. This loco is not modeled after any specific prototype, but allows freelancers and modelers to create their own fun diminutive loco. The model will feature a single 11” compressor, a Baldwin Cast front smoke box, fluted style domes, a diamond stack typical of locos in this time frame, and an ornate livery including a ‘Russia Iron’ boiler jacket. Interest in this loco has been high. You can reserve your Early 2-8-0 locomotive at your favorite hobby shop!

ProTraxx!!
We are pleased to announce the all-new ProTraxx HOn3 track system! This is a track system based on the popular and reliable KATO Uni-Joiner. To start off with, we will be offering a 9” straight and curved sections for a 19” radius as well as a starter set complete with circle of 19” radius curves, four 9” straight sections and wired track feeding track joiners. Note, it will take 16 sections to complete a circle of track, so 4 sections is a quarter of a circle.

Pre-Production Sample Shown, Actual track will have painted ties.

At this time, we are taking pre-orders. Track is a new venture for us, so we are asking your help to help us better gauge our necessary stocking levels. Re-orders for track have a long lead time, so to better serve your HOn3 ProTraxx needs, please place orders with your dealers now. Our deadline to order stocking quantities is the first week of June, so we ask that your orders be submitted by June 1st. We will continue to take orders after then as well.
We do have plans for a full track system, including turnouts, crossings, multiple radius curves and multiple length straight tracks, but we have to start out somewhere. Don’t forget, ProTraxx track can easily set up a test track or temporary layout, as well as be used to build a complete home layout!

B500100           9” Straight 4-pack                       $18.25
B500200          19” Radius Curve 4-pack             $18.25
B500900          Starter Set (Circle + 4 straights)  $89.95

New KATO Locos:

With the impending release of the new KATO AC4400CW and SD90MAC models in HO, now would be a great time to plan ahead and be sure to order the Tsunami decoders designed for these models so they can be running on the layout with sound the same evening it comes home!

The TSU-KT1000 for SD70 will easily replace the factory light board in the SD90MAC with the LEDs built onto the board to match up to the model’s clear light ‘pipes’. The TSU-KT1000 for KATO AC4400CW for is designed for factory light board replacement as well. These decoders also have 2 additional light outputs for use with any of the Hyperlight features, including ditch lamps. The Big GE loco is designed to accept a 1” round speaker in the fuel tank, for an easy installation.

828060 TSU-KT1000 for KATO SD70/SD90MAC   $119.00

828066 TSU-KT1000 for KATO AC4400CW           $119.00

810054 1” Round Speaker                                             $9.95

SoundBytes XLX

We’ve been working on many new things here in Durango for you. Spring season doesn’t mean time to slow down, it seems we’ve been busier than usual! In this edition, we will share some history about another version of the C-19s and 2-8-0 locomotives. We also have an upcoming appearance now in Arkansas in May. We have also received the boxcar and stockcar shipment here on our doorstep!

Arkansas Visit
We would like to welcome Arkansas Traveler Hobbies in Bald Knob, AR to our Dealer Network. To help introduce SoundTraxx and Blackstone Models to his product line, George will be visiting the store on May 12th giving a few clinics on using Tsunami decoders and installing Tsunami decoders as well as answering your questions!  If you are nearby, be sure to come in to see him and see first hand how to get the most from your decoders!  For more information on clinic times and to sign up to attend, please contact them at 501.724.5326.

Blackstone Models:
With the new run of C-19s and 2-8-0 locomotives coming in early 2013, we wanted to share some of the features of these unique locomotives with everyone. This time, we will speak a bit to the #401, Class 70 Denver and Rio Grande Locomotive. Blackstone is pleased to be the first company to ever offer a painted ready to run version of a class 70 locomotive of the D&RG as it appeared frequently from Durango to Alamosa during the 1910s and into the early 1920s.

From the original 2-8-0 locomotives, the D&RG began a re-building program in the early teens that included new boilers, adding the dynamo, air pump, but still retained the box-style headlamp and the fluted smoke box door. In 1921, the Railroad re-organized as the Denver and Rio Grande Western. It was around 1923 that these locos underwent another program that would eventually classify these locos as C-19s and be re-numbered 340-349.

This model is perfect for those that wish to model the earlier times of the railroad. The upcoming release of Passenger Car Red coaches (PN B350110) would be right at home behind this unique locomotive.

We have received the new run of the Boxcars and Stockcars here in Durango Friday, April 27th. These cars will begin shipping mid week to our dealers around the globe.

These cars are a new run of 6 road numbers for each of the boxcars and stockcars, optionally available factory weathered. These cars are high in demand, so be sure to contact your local hobby shop to ensure you get some for your collection!

More information can be found here: http://www.blackstonemodels.com/rolling/box/index.php and here: http://www.blackstonemodels.com/rolling/stock/index.php.

Boxcars.. MSRP Non-Weathered 67.95       Stockcars.. MSRP Non-Weathered 67.95

                                    Weathered 74.95                                           Weathered 74.95

B340128(W) #3146 MT Herald                  B340226(W) #5510 FG Herald

B340129(W) #3303 No Herald                   B340227(W) #5578 FG Herald

B340130(W) #3328 FG Herald (Lt Fade)    B340228(W) #5669 FG Herald
B340131(W) #3426 FG Herald (Hvy Fade) B340229(W) #5723 FG Herald
B340132(W) #3587 FG Herald                    B340230(W) #5825 FG Herald
B340133(W) #3743 FG Herald                   B340231(W) #5605 B2/3 Herald


Next Blackstone Models shipment will have the All-New East Broad Top Hoppers along with the second run of Passenger Coaches and the third run of the Narrow Frame Tank Cars. This shipment is currently expected to arrive here around the first week of June. Be sure to visit http://www.blackstonemodels.com/ for more information.

SoundBytes

Welcome to another Edition of SoundBytes. We have a lot to cover this time. We will discuss upcoming shows, start a new segment where we introduce a Blackstone Models loco version and we’ll take a virtual visit to New Jersey to meet Nate, one of our dealers. Lots to do, so let’s get started.

Upcoming Trade Shows:
Don’t forget, the Calgary Supertrain show is coming up quickly. Be sure to come in and say Hello and see what products we will bring to show.

It is being held April 20th-22nd at the Subway Soccer Centre in Calgary Alberta.

Our next show currently scheduled will be at the NMRA National show in Grand Rapids, MI being help the first week in August. There is still time to plan a trip (If you’re not nearby) to come visit and see what we may have in store for new announcements!
Be sure to keep checking back on new announcements and upcoming appearances for our staff.

Blackstone Models:
With the new run of C-19s and 2-8-0 locomotives coming in early 2013, we wanted to share some of the features of these unique locomotives with everyone. At this moment, we have not received pre-production samples of these locos yet, but we do have livery artwork and some information about each model to help familiarize the modelers with each version. This time, we will look closely at the Rio Grande Southern #41.

This new model of the 41 that we are producing in this run will have a newly tooled correct straight-sided tender among many other details to accurately model this locomotive! One of only 3 surviving C-19s, the 41 is one of the most storied narrow gauge locomotives ever to traverse the 3-foot rails of Colorado.



From Michael Ripley Collection



Blackstone Models is proud to produce the 41 as it appeared in the 1930s and 40s on the RGS. This model is the perfect companion for those that have purchased the RGS 40 in the previous run or any of the Blackstone RGS K-27s. Today this engine can still be appreciated in California, operating at Knott’s Berry Farm. This model will optionally be available with factory weathering, as well as a non-weathered version. Be sure to pre-order your RGS 41 with your local hobby shop soon!

Dealer Spotlight:

Nathan Kline is the owner of Nate’s Light Iron Hobbies, a hobby shop dedicated to model trains and related accessories. He has been interested in trains and model railroading all his life, especially narrow gauge and the East Broad Top railroad.

His interest in trains and model railroading and his many years of modeling experience inspired him to establish Nate’s Light Iron Hobbies in August of 2007 to bring a unique business to all fans of narrow gauge and shortline model railroading. Nate’s Light Iron Hobbies specializes in narrow gauge and shortline model railroading as well as DCC and sound. They offer competitive pricing and, above all, excellent customer service. As an authorized SoundTraxx and Blackstone Models dealer they stock all current SoundTraxx decoders and accessories and all current Blackstone Models items, including many items no longer available from the factory!

Although narrow gauge and shortline model railroading is their specialty, they do offer all popular scales and brands of model trains and accessories and don’t believe in offering their customers anything Nate wouldn’t personally use on his own model railroad! Please visit them on the web and shop online at http://www.nateslightironhobbies.com/ or call him at 610-406-1761. Be sure to tell Nate you saw his spotlight here!

SoundBytes XLVIII

St. Patrick’s day is near and spring is blooming, but that is no reason to stop model railroading! This may be the time to take on a new decoder install, or add in that rolling stock for future operating sessions! This issue, we’ll cover some upcoming shows we will be attending and discuss some in-stock Blackstone Models products. For our Tech Tip, we’ll set up a sound zone from a detector block for SurroundTraxx.

Upcoming Shows

Next month, we will be setting up at the Super Train 2012 show in Calgary, AB CANADA. If anyone is in the area, we encourage you to come by and see what we have to show.

This is the largest Canadian Model Train Show. It will be held at the Subway Soccer Centre April 21st and 22nd, 2012. This was a great show last year and we are expecting it to be even better this year!
Stay tuned for other shows and appearances for our staff near you.

Blackstone Models

When we receive a new Blackstone Models product, the number of models is limited. However, this does not necessarily mean that it is sold out. We take reservations for the models and when the shipment arrives, they begin shipping out to the hobby shops.

There has been occasions recently that a Blackstone Modeler will contact us asking about existing stock, stating their dealer says it is sold out, while on our website it is not. The website is kept up to date as much as possible, so it is a good indicator of our available inventory.

There are still K-27s, boxcars, stock cars, double-deck stock cars, high side and drop-bottom gondolas, flat cars and cabooses in stock here for you.

Just be sure to let your Blackstone Models dealer know what you are looking for and if available, we will be happy to get these out to you!

Tech Tip

The SurroundTraxx is an inexpensive option for great sound for the modeler in small scales. An important piece to getting this to work is to use the block-detection system from Digitrax known as Transponding. Once this has been installed and is functioning properly, its time to assign the detection blocks to the SurroundTraxx’ sound zones.
For our examples, we will assign a loop, like the Tehachapi Loop, to a single sound zone, zone 3, and then 3-track yard and through mainline in sound zone 2.
Starting with the example loop of track, it is assigned to block 2 on the Digitrax BDL-168. To set this up in the SurroundTraxx menu, press the knob and “ROUNDHOUSE” should appear. Rotate the knob until “ZONE IDS” appears in the window. Press the knob to select. Now rotate the knob until “ZONE: 3” appears, then press the knob to select. At first, “BEG ID:000” will be displayed, then press the knob to select. Using the knob, rotate to select each digit (0-9) and then press the knob to select and cycle through each of the 3 digits individually. Using the knob, select id # 002, (press knob, 0, press, 0, press, rotate to select 2,) and then press the knob to save. The setting, “BEG ID:002” should now be displayed. Next, rotate the knob to “END ID:002”. Confirm this is correct. If it does not, change this to zone 002, following the procedure above, to ensure that the zone will be correct. Now, when a loco is detected in zone 2, the sound profile (previously set up) will be played coming out of the speaker connected to the orange wires, or zone 3.
A group of tracks, in this case, a yard where each track has its own BDL-168 detector zone, can share a speaker output. For this example, the three yard tracks with a main through track are assigned to zones 6, 8, 10, and 12. These have to be un-interrupted consecutive numbers. Blocks 2, 4, 10 and 12 can be assigned to a single sound zone, but any number in between (6 and 8) must be in that same sound zone or the SurroundTraxx will not operate properly.
To configure this part of the layout, first select ZONE ID for zone 2. Next, set the BEG ID to 006 and the END ID to 012. Rotate the knob to confirm these settings are saved. Now any time a loco is run on any of the yard tracks or the through main, the sound for that loco will play out of the speaker connected to the yellow wires, or zone 2.
Setting up the SurroundTraxx allows you to take advantage of the surround sound for your layout. With the loco sounds traveling with the locomotive around the layout, full-scale sound is now possible, especially for smaller scales.
Now with the blocks set up, customize the sound channels for each one by adding in reverb or echo as appropriate to the layout for great sound effects. See an earlier post for details.