Digital Control
HIGH-SPEC ‘66’
The Hattons ‘OO’ gauge Class 66 has an impressive specification, and DC Kits’ Legomanbiffo has created an equally high value sound decoder specifically for the model. MIKE WILD installs an ESU LokSound V5 decoder into the Hattons model together with stay alive and a ‘rail rumble’ speaker.
SOUND IDEA!
DCC sound is an exciting and engaging development for the hobby that adds a new dimension to operating model railways and puts you firmly in the driving seat, as MARK CHIVERS explains.
Sound fitter’s toolbox
Adding sound to your locomotives requires a selection of tools and consumable materials. MIKE WILD explains the essentials to get you started.
SPEAKING VOLUMES
There is a huge array of speakers available, but how do you go about choosing the right one for your model? MIKE WILD explains all.
TWIN TRACK MIND
If you are looking for the ultimate starter sound decoder which won’t cost the earth, Hornby’s Twin Track Sound diesel decoders offer superb value for money and an enthralling driving experience. MIKE WILD shows how to add a Twin Track Sound decoder to a Class 31 as well as upgrading its speaker.
MODERN SIMPLICITY
The latest locomotives from Bachmann are being designed to make upgrading to sound as simple as possible. MIKE WILD shows the process with the new Johnson ‘1P’ 0-4-4T for ‘OO’ gauge.
Using ‘stay alives’
The capacitor is a useful electronic component and the latest generation of sound decoders allow these to be connected to maintain uninterrupted sound. MIKE WILD explains how they work and which brands support their use.
STANIER SOUNDS
It isn’t just the latest locomotives which can benefit from digital sound. MIKE WILD delves into his stores to find one of the early modern day Hornby ‘Black Fives’ which predates the ease of tender-mounted decoder sockets.
Factory sound
If installing a sound decoder is not for you, there is another option – factory fitted digital sound, as MARK CHIVERS explains.
RULE ‘BRITANNA’
The ‘Britannia’ 4-6-2s were the largest fleet of ‘Pacifics’ in the BR Standard series. MIKE WILD installs a Doehler & Haass 8-pin decoder loaded with Locoman Sounds’ new ‘Britannia’ sound file in the Hornby ‘OO’ gauge model with the addition of extra lighting functions.