Update: My Scaletrains loco is proving to be a difficult runner.Initial shakedown a couple of weeks ago was the train facing and running in just one direction. And it was fine. Today, I face it the other direction,(the planned predominant direction of travel) and the rear (away from cab) driver set/truck derails every time. Face it back the other way, and run it backwards, and the rear truck (away from cab) derails again. The BLI doesn’t stutter or stumble. It just keeps on rolling. I do think the sound is richer on the Scaletrains. Not as loud, but not as tinny. Makes me wonder if BLI might have the sound equalized to be that way to sell more Rolling Thunder systems.
That's what I like about this forum! I get ideas and reasons I might not have considered, and then I can decide whether they apply to my needs or not. As far as ability to mix and match locos, if I don't need the sound (like for an idled loco backup for a steamer on an excursion), I'd just as likely pair up the soundless one. Otherwise, I'd pair up the sound one. I suppose their is the possibility of a "beat" in the audio between two barely-mismatched prime movers, and that would not be possible between two locos if one is mute. But then again, if they are consisted, their sound would always be in sync anyway. More than likely you'd need two different brand sound decoders for that. Maybe not a hill I want to climb. But then again, others might!
I don't keep my locos consisted permanently as I like to build my consists on the fly -all have to be speed matched to do this. Because I don't want to hear each loco with the same sound characteristics, I change the prime mover sound timing ever so slightly (in each loco) to avoid all locos giving off that sound wave that happens when near field speakers emit the same sound-at the same time. A consist of 3 GEVO's sounds very good providing that the timing on each is slightly off and the volume is adequately adjusted -DOWN. Typically, I have the master volume at 55-60 and prime mover at 50. Horn volume depends on the horn selected (some sound much better than others in N Scale) maybe 70-100 with the bell at 35-40. These levels are subjective but because I typically consist; the sound has to be turned down otherwise it's too loud to be believable and can get on my nerves..... It really is quite easy to play around with the sounds. You can download the sound file "bulletins" from ESU which will give you all of the function keys and the corresponding Sound slot. It will show you the default volume value so that you can reset the slot volume in case you get out of control with your testing. You can adjust all of the sound slots using JMRI Decoder Pro or ESU LokProgrammer software. It's much easier to consist locos from the same manufacturer but it also is not difficult to consist ST with KATO or Fox Valley if they all have been speed matched (I use the table) and a huge plus if they all have the same decoder manufacturer . It's fun but takes a little bit of time. I kind of went off topic. Sorry about that. Brian
That’s part of why I picked a different brand for my second diesel. Not just to see which is better, but to have those small differences.
You can also load a different sound file for loco model, at least for ESU as they usually have multiple versions for say a GEVO. Brian
For anyone reading: If you like the scaletrains.com offerings, and you like CSX, scaletrains.com has a few remaining that they are selling on their website for $217.49 Latest run, “Spirit of Ravenna” paint scheme variant. I can tell you, to borrow the words of Johnny Horton: “But there wasn’t nigh as many as there was a while ago.”
just got my first one A NS Gevo . I like the ditch lights on both ends and the detail. I put a lokpilot in it and it runs great
I have several and have a hard time buying anything but scale Trains because of their quality and performance. I never have an issue with it stuttering unlike other manufacturers products. I model in N-scale and run 50+ cars with a DPU 2/3 of the way back with zero issues. Customer service is excellent!
