In this edition, we will look ahead at some of the exciting news from Blackstone Models. We will also see how our Tsunami can be used with an actual functioning brake!
Blackstone Models:
Next week, assembly will begin on the drop-bottom gondolas. We have received the decorated samples here to view and approve. These cars will look great and we are excited. We are close to being sold out on most of these cars. Be sure to get your orders in quickly before they are all spoken for!
We have been getting many pre-orders for the K-27 re-release that we have scheduled for this summer. A sample of the 458 is here at the offices, so we wanted to share it with you. 
All of these models will be equipped with the top of the line Tsunami dual-mode DCC sound decoder already installed. In addition to the K-27, we will be ordering the K-27 snowplows and doghouses as well as a limited number of the K-27 drawbars for sale when these all arrive here. If you are interested, please place orders for these items with your dealer.The tank cars,
Passenger cars,and the C-19
model designs have been approved and have now gone to the tooling department. Hopefully we will see samples of these here before long.Tech Tip:
Tsunami has many features built in to help your locomotives and your railroad operate as close to the prototype as possible. Included in this is the ability to have the brake squeal sound play at the press of a button. But, did you know that you could actually turn this sound into a functioning brake? Using some programming, your locomotive will be able to slow down without touching the speed knob. This handy feature is great for switching yards or industrial areas. Let’s see how to do it.
To start, put some momentum into CV3 and CV4 for realistic acceleration and deceleration. We typically enter a higher value for deceleration, so for this example, we will enter into CV3 a value of 25 and into CV4 a value of 100. This means that the loco will take a while longer to slow down than speed up using the throttle knob. CV 61 allows the brake squeal function to actually apply the brakes. Values above 128 detract from the value in CV4 and allow the locomotive to slow down quicker, like the brakes are applied. To figure this, the value above 128 – 128 will determine the value subtracted from CV4. For this example, we will set CV 61 to 178. (178 – 128 = 50; 100 – 50 = 50) This will then set the brake rate to 50, when the brakes are applied. If we wanted it faster, we could set CV 61 to 203. (203 – 128 = 75; 100 – 75 = 25) The actual values are up to you, but understanding how these work will help you while implementing it.
Setting lower values into CV 61 will add to the deceleration rate, simulating a heavier train. So numbers less than 128 will add to the value. For example, if CV 61 is set to a value of 78, using the previous set deceleration rate of 100 would give us a much longer slowing rate of 150. (128 – 78 = 50; 100 + 50 = 150)
Either of these effects would only take effect when the brake squeal sound (Typically F11) is played, and in turn, the brakes are applied, so the normal rate set in CV4 is the slow rate when using the speed knob turned down to 0. Applying the brakes will stop the loco without touching the speed knob. Setting CV 61 set to 0 or 128 disables this effect. The default is 0.Using this feature will allow more precise spotting of cars, or coupling the trains together. This will also work well in a club setting if the train on the main in front of you suddenly stops. (As was common in George’s old RR club in Dallas!) After practice, this will become one of the most used features in your Tsunami decoder.
After attaching all sides to the speaker using plastic cement, trim the extra material off the end and file clean. Decide where the speaker wires will go through and drill small holes accordingly. Now, measure the baffle size onto the styrene and cut out. This will create a top to the baffle and enclose the back of the speaker. Then take a small amount of silicone and close up the four screw holes on the front of the speaker and the speaker wire hole(s). This will isolate the front and back of the speaker.
The speaker can be mounted in any way that will allow the sound to escape. Leaving a small lip on the front of the baffle around the speaker can allow silicone to adhere the speaker to a shell without interfering with the travel of the cone. The speaker baffle can be built on either side of the speaker, leaving room for the mechanism, for example an Atlas RS-3. Building a small baffle on the sides of the speaker and using the shell as the top of the enclosure allows the speaker to be sealed, leaving just enough room for the gear towers to pivot.
