Hobbyhorse
Western Thunderer
Installing the sounds into the three loco has been fairly straightforward, I’d worked out the maximum size of chip each loco could accommodate. With this info I was browsing a couple of the well known suppliers and had selected what was required, also needed was some speakers but as I’ve normally got a few in stock I’d check before purchasing, luckily I did as I found three Zimo MX648 sound chips and that I’d purchased a few years ago and had forgotten about. Originally I was going to use them in three narrow gauge diesel but the motors had too higher amperage draw, but for these models suit perfectly. You Choos did the new sound uploads, so for a small amount all three have been fitted, with stay alives. The speaker fitting was all in different locations from tender for the Duke, between the loco frames on the Flower and in the smokebox on the Bulldog.
When I started these locos I used the widest frame spacers, this made fitting the inside motion easier, knowing full well that it would limit the radius the locos would negotiate. For my layout 1:6 turnouts would be the rule but to allow a bit more clearance I’ve modified the front end of the frames a bit, it looks a bit brutal but has allowed more swing to the front on the bogie and other than a few shorts, mainly from the brake rigging negotiate the layout.
Simon
Short video of Duke running
Duke programming and testing
Tender plugs for sound and pickups
When I started these locos I used the widest frame spacers, this made fitting the inside motion easier, knowing full well that it would limit the radius the locos would negotiate. For my layout 1:6 turnouts would be the rule but to allow a bit more clearance I’ve modified the front end of the frames a bit, it looks a bit brutal but has allowed more swing to the front on the bogie and other than a few shorts, mainly from the brake rigging negotiate the layout.
Simon
Short video of Duke running
Duke programming and testing
Tender plugs for sound and pickups