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

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.

HM165 Stanier 8F sound installation Feature Premium

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.

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‘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: 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.

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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.

HM163 Digital sound Feature Premium

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.

HM163 sound fitting tools Feature Premium

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.

HM163 Speakers Feature Premium

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.

HM163 Twin Track Sound Class 31 Feature Premium

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.

HM163 Johnson 1P sound Feature Premium

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.

HM163 Stay alives Feature Premium

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.

HM163 D600 sound installation Feature Premium

Giving Kernow's D600 'Warship' 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.

HM163 Hornby 'Black Five' sound Feature Premium

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.

HM163 factory sound Feature Premium

Factory sound

If installing a sound decoder is not for you, there is another option – factory fitted digital sound, as MARK CHIVERS explains.

HM162 Britannia sound Feature Premium

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.

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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.

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INSTALLING SOUND IN THE HORNBY ’Q6'

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.

HM158 SLW Class 24s Feature Premium

VIDEO: SLW Class 24s in detail

In this exclusive KeyModelWorld video, MIKE WILD demonstrates the full suite of sounds on Sutton's Locomotive Works stunning 'OO' gauge Class 24s. Join us now for extra images and video which you can only watch here.

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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.

HM159 Staff Projects Feature Premium

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.

Class 37 sound Feature Premium

VIDEO: Class 37 sound for 'OO' gauge

In this online feature we show how to install digital sound into the Bachmann Class 37 using a ZIMO MX644D decoder and Rail Exclusive speaker. 

Digikeijs lighting Feature Premium

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.

Heljan Class 50 with sound Feature Premium

Heljan Class 50 sound installation guide

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.

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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 installation guide Feature Premium

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.

VIDEO: Heljan Class 07 with sound

In the latest issue of Hornby Magazine Paul Chetter shows how to install digital sound in Heljan's compact 'OO' gauge model of the Class 07. In this video we showcase the finished model running on Topley Dale. See HM155 or sign up to KeyModelWorld to read the full sound installation guide.

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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.