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.
VIDEO: Bachmann Class 20/3 sound installation
Bachmann's latest generation Class 20 model features a Plux22 decoder socket and a factory fitted 15mm x 11mm speaker. In this sound installation guide Mike Wild shows how simple it is to install a ZIMO MX645P22 sound decoder with Digitrains ZS20ASL sound file and demonstrates the performance of the factory fitted speaker.
VIDEO: Digitrains Class 68 sound demonstration
In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine - HM166, April 2021 - we review Digitrains new sound file for the Class 68 Bo-Bo diesels. Here the full suite of sounds in our sound demonstration featuring the Dapol 'OO' gauge model fitted with a ZIMO MX644C decoder.
‘7F’ SOUND
Bachmann’s Fowler ‘7F’ 2-8-0 can be brought to life with digital sound using space in the tender to install a 21-pin decoder, speaker and stay alive pack. MIKE WILD shows you how using components from YouChoos.
VIDEO: Locoman Stanier '8F' sound demonstration
In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine (HM165) we install digital sound in the Hornby Stanier '8F' 2-8-0 using Locoman Sounds Doehler & Haass 8-pin chip. Join us on Topley Dale for a full demonstration of the sound decoders features.
STANIER SOUNDS
The ‘8F’ 2-8-0 has a purposeful and exhilarating bark which Locoman Sounds has replicated on the Doehler & Haass decoder suite. In this step by step guide, MIKE WILD upgrades Hornby’s Stanier ‘8F’ with sound, stay alive and firebox flicker using a D&H 8-pin chip.
VIDEO: Bachmann '94XX' sound installation guide
In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine (HM163) we review Bachmann's eagerly awaited new 'OO' gauge model of the GWR '94XX' 0-6-0PT for the first time. In this video feature Richard Watson demonstrates how simple it is to install digital sound in the model using a ZIMO decoder and Digitrains sound file.
‘MOGUL’ MAGIC
Dapol’s new ‘OO’ gauge GWR ‘Mogul’ has been designed with simplicity in mind when it comes to digital sound upgrades. MIKE WILD explores its potential by installing twin speakers and a few details to make this already stunning locomotive even better.
VIDEO: Kernow D600 'Warship' with sound
The free 32-page digital sound guide with HM163 (January 2021 issue) includes a step by step guide for the Kernow Model Rail Centre D600 'Warship' for 'OO' gauge to demonstrate installing sound with a 21-pin decoder. Join us here to watch the finished model in action on the Hornby Magazine test track.
VIDEO: Hornby 'Black Five' with D&H sound
In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine we show how to install a Doehler & Haass 8-pin sound decoder with Locoman Sounds latest sound project for the Stanier 'Black Five'. The feature uses the Hornby model with a locomotive mounted decoder socket and the full installation guide is part of our Beginners' Guide to Digital Sound supplement issued with HM163. Watch our sound demonstration here.
VIDEO: Hornby Class 31 with TTS
Hornby's Twin Track Sound decoder provide the perfect starting point to explore digital sound. In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine we show how to install a TTS decoder in a Hornby Class 31 together with a speaker upgrade. Watch in it action here.
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.
Giving Bulldog its bark
Locomotives with 21-pin decoders sometimes require a different approach to connecting a speaker. MIKE WILD explains all with Kernow Model Rail Centre’s ‘OO’ gauge model of the D600 ‘Warship’ diesel-hydraulic.
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.
Stanier ’Princess’ upgrades
New to the Hornby collection in its 100th anniversary year is the latest generation model of Stanier’s first ‘Pacific’ design – the ‘Princess Royal’. MIKE WILD breaks out his tools to give 46207 a digital makeover with the addition of sound, ‘stay alive,’ working lamps and a smoke generator too.
’Q6’ SOUND
Eight-coupled freight engines were hard working locomotives and Locoman Sounds has set out to recreate that effect with its Doehler & Haass sound file for the Raven ‘Q6’ 0-8-0. MIKE WILD shows how it can be installed in the Hornby model with extra features.
Staff Projects: Polarity switching
In the final part of his three-part garden railway series, MIKE WILD explains how he overcame a complex return loop situation while discovering even greater flexibility could be introduced with a new piece of trackwork and Digital Command Control electronics.
UNDERGROUND SOUND
The London Transport Stock was hugely popular when it was released in 2015 and now DC kits and legomanoifffo have produced a new ESU sound decoder twin pack to bring these units to life. MIKE WILD explores its potential and shows how he went about upgrading a four-car set with additional functions.
VIDEO: S Stock digital sound
In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine we show how to install DCC sound and lights into Bachmann's London Transport Museum S Stock. MIKE WILD showcases the finished result in this video using Legomanbiffo's latest ESU sound files.
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.