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.
Digital Sound modelling guides
Back to ‘Schools’
Digital sound installations don’t have to be complex or mind boggling, as MIKE WILD shows by turning his attention to a Hornby ‘Schools’ 4-4-0 with a new sound profile from Locoman Sounds.
Hawksworth ‘Hall’ sound
The arrival of a new batch of GWR ‘Modified Hall’ 4-6-0s from Bachmann for ‘OO’ gauge prompted MIKE WILD to take a fresh look at the model’s potential for sound. In this step by step guide, we install a ZIMO decoder and powerful speaker for a realistic and immersive driving experience.
VIDEO: Bachmann Class 57 sound demonstration
The Class 57 is an important part of the modern railway scene and one stands out from the crowd – 57307 Lady Penelope in its Cable Thieves-branded DRS livery. MIKE WILD and RICHARD WATSON discuss this Bachmann Collectors Club limited edition after it's sound installation.
Thunderbirds are go!
The Class 57 is an important part of the modern railway scene and one stands out from the crowd – 57307 Lady Penelope in its Cable Thieves-branded DRS livery. MIKE WILD picks up a Bachmann Collectors Club limited edition of the unique locomotive for this sound installation guide.
'West Country' Special
Who says installing digital sound is hard? PAUL CHETTER takes on Hornby’s air-smoothed ‘West Country’ and discovers that installation of sound and much more is within the abilities of all modellers. This feature from the Hornby Magazine archive includes a brand new sound demonstration video featuring 34067 Tangmere.
VIDEO: Hornby 'Merchant Navy' sound upgrade
Our latest exclusive sound installation guide for KeyModelWorld feature Digitrains sound file for the Bulleid air-smoothed 'Pacific' - and you can watch it for free this week only during Bulleid week. Join Mike Wild in the workshop to find out how to install sound in this model.
Automatic Braking Control
DCC Concepts has released its new Zen Black decoder range which include the ability to work with ABC braking modules to create automated stopping and DCC controlled shuttles. MIKE WILD explains how.
SULZER SOUNDS
The new Heljan Class 25/3 presented an opportunity to add extra functionality to the model as part of a sound installation. MIKE WILD installs a ZIMO chip into the new ‘OO’ gauge model with sound from Digitrains.
VIDEO: Locoman Sounds Thompson 'Pacific' sounds
Locoman Sounds has introduced a series of new sound profiles for the Doehler & Haass sound decoder family to replicate the Thompson 'A2/2' and 'A2/3' 4-6-2s. In the latest issue we show how to install this new sound decoder in the Hornby 4-6-2 while in this video MIKE WILD demonstrates the sound functions of two of the four versions.
VIDEO: Hornby 'A2/3' sound installation guide
In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine we illustrate how to install digital sound in the new Hornby 'A2/2' 4-6-2. For our second related installation MIKE WILD demonstrates the installation process for the closely related 'A2/3' on video using the new Locoman Sounds sound project.
THOMPSON CHOICES
Locoman Sounds has introduced a set of new sound profiles for the Hornby ‘A2/2’ and ‘A2/3’ 4-6-2s with four different versions to suit the two classes in different eras. MIKE WILD shows how to install the sound profile on a Doehler & Haass sound chip into the BR era ‘Pacifics’.
VIDEO: Bachmann Class 45 with ZIMO digital sound
In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine - HM167, May 2021 - we show how to install sound and stay alive into the popular Bachmann Class 45 1Co-Co1 for 'OO' gauge. In this video Mike Wild demonstrates the completed model on Topley Dale.
Stay alive with DCC Concepts
DCC Concepts has gone back to the drawing board to create its new range of stay alives using smaller components and a flexible system which allows for easier positioning of parts within a locomotive. Read the full story here and watch our video demonstration.
‘Peak’ practice
The Bachmann Class 45 is a simple locomotive for a sound installation project, as MIKE WILD shows in this guide using a ZIMO sound decoder.
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: Bachmann Fowler '7F' 2-8-0 sound demonstration
In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine we show how to install a ZIMO sound decoder with YouChoos sound into the Bachmann Fowler '7F' 2-8-0. Join Mike Wild in the workshop as he demonstrates the sound projects features on Topley Dale.
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.