The distinctive note of the ‘Western’ hydraulics is highly sought after in model form. Paul Chetter installs sound into Heljan and Dapols model of the Class 52 in ‘OO’ scale and compares the steps required and the results achieved.
Above: The Dapol (left) and Heljan (right) ‘Westerns’ are from two distinct eras in model manufacturer with the Dapol model entering the market after the widespread adoption of digital sound fitting. Both are straightforward projects to install sound into, although the Heljan model requires the most work.
The design of ready-to-run model locomotives has until recently been aimed at producing reliably engineered chassis clothed with convincing bodies. In the last few years, Digital Command Control (DCC) sound has become an increasingly important aspect of the hobby. Modellers who fit sound to their models often find that these design considerations are the biggest problem to be overcome for a successful installation.
It makes life much easier if the manufacturer has made provision for a DCC sound decoder and speaker - though it is usually still possible to create a workable solution in models where no provision has been made too.
The Heljan model is an older design which does not especially cater for …
