DIGITAL SOUND
The world of digital operation holds huge potential for realistic model railway operation. In this section we will show you how to install sound decoders into locomotives big and small across 'OO', 'O' and 'N' gauge as well as revealing more about the abilities of this control system in future features author by Mike Wild and Paul Chetter.
Digikeijs digital lighting
With Hornby’s centenary celebrations in full swing, MARK CHIVERS looks to its growing range of BR Mk 1 carriages as he opts to install fully controllable digital lighting, with impressive results.
‘Hoover’ sound
The Class 50s had a distinctive and impressive soundtrack which can be replicated in model form with high-quality digital sound files. MIKE WILD picks the Heljan ‘O’ gauge Class 50 to show how this main line diesel can be equipped with realistic sound.
Heljan’s dock shunter
The Ruston and Hornsby Class 07 shunter is full of character which can be enhanced further with sound. PAUL CHETTER shows how to bring this superb Heljan model truly to life.
Heljan 'O' gauge 'Hymek' sound
In this exclusive online feature, MIKE WILD shows how a ZIMO digital sound decoder was installed into the latest version of Heljan's 'O' gauge 'Hymek' diesel-hydraulic.
Evening Star digital sound
The BR ‘9F’ 2-10-0s were one of the most impressive of the Riddles Standard designs and the last was built in March 1960 - 92220 Evening Star. MIKE WILD looks to the Bachmann model and shows how a twin speaker setup can be added together with stay alive and firebox flicker.
Bachmann 'J72' 0-6-0T sound installation
Bachmann’s recently released, newly designed ‘J72’ 0-6-0T model reveals its advanced internal features to PAUL CHETTER as he installs sound and stay alive capacitors.
Narrow gauge sound
PAUL CHETTER explains how he fitted sound to ‘OO9’ narrow gauge model locomotives from Bachmann and Heljan revealing how a model’s basic design can greatly influence the ease with which this can be achieved.
Oxford ‘N7’ sound
The chunky lines of the Great Eastern ‘N7’ 0-6-2Ts are hard to resist. MIKE WILD completes his GER collection by installing sound in Oxford Rail’s new BR black model of Stratford allocated 69612.
Sound for the 48DS
The brand-new Ruston 48DS might be tiny, but it can still be equipped with digital sound by choosing the right components. PAUL CHETTER describes how the much admired and tiny 48DS can be transformed for digital operation.
Upscaling to ‘O’ gauge
Changing from ‘OO’ to ‘O’ gauge is much simpler than it used to be with an increasing range of motive power and greater consideration to digital control and sound. MIKE WILD opens up the Heljan Class 05 for ‘O’ gauge and shows how it can be enhanced with sound quickly and simply.