DC performance of Kato Union Pacific FEF 4-8-4 with DCC and ESU sound?

[upbnsffan]

Hello,  I was wondering how the DC performance was of Kato's new release Union Pacific FEF 4-8-4 with DCC and ESU sound?  Does It even run on DC if required?  Any personal experiences or insights would be appreciated, as I am still DC only at this time.

Thanks,
William Gilbert
upbnsffan

[glakedylan]

the FEF 4-8-4 was manufactured as DC analog

see: http://www.spookshow.net/loco/katofef.html

the DCC and Sound decoder were added, or you added them?
it would then be based on what decoder was/is going to be installed
being an ESU it depends if it is "dual mode" or not
which can be determined by the product item number or name
as in:

ESU/LokSound
We are pleased to offer the excellent ESU LockSound sound decoders, inluding "V4.0", "Micro 4.0" , the "Select", "Select Direct" and "Micro Select" models for American prototypes.  The excellent features of ESU-decoders are even more enhanced by the addition of sound functions. That’s made possible through the award-winning LokSound technology.  LokSound decoders are available for various applications, depending on gauge or digital system.  When you order a LokSound decoder, we must know the specific sound file that you would like downloaded to the decoder.  Instructions and lists of sound files are included on each type of decoder's catalog page. (Available "Select" models are each listed separately in our catalog.)

the above being a description of possibilities w/ ESU from a hobby shop website.
I hope this helps.

sincerely
Gary

[wcfn100]

the FEF 4-8-4 was manufactured as DC analog

see: http://www.spookshow.net/loco/katofef.html

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Kato-N-1260401-1-FEF-3-UP-Loksound-p/kat-1260401-ls.htm

Jason

[peteski]

The loco in question is a Kobo model which is a special run of customized (DC) production locos. This one obviously has a sound decoder installed.

I think that all of the currently produced decoders (and every decoder I ever remember handling in the last 20 years) has been "dual mode".  I actually never seen a DCC-only decoder from any of the DCC manufacturers.

That said, most sound decoders runing in DC have many limitations. The most noticeable is that they usually need around 6 or 8 volts just to come alive.  That is about 50% of an average DC throttles speed range.  That leaves you only half the throttle range to actually run the model.  Also, you have no control of most of the sounds (the are either on, off or automatic). Whatever their default setting is in DC mode.

The bottom line is that the model will run and will most likely produce sound but in limited capability.  If you really want more details, go to the ESUs website and read the manual for that decoders. That will give you all the details you would like to know about its DC capabilities.

[Nato]

                Are the KOBO locomotives now out? I have one on order. Nate Goodman (Nato).

[peteski]

Jason's link shows them in stock at M.B.K. then I would have to say that they are available. 

[Nato]

      Peteski, Thanks for the information, I will have to check with my pusher. Kato did offer the first run of these locomotives as both an analog model and as a DCC non KOBO model, no sound  but a duel mode decoder. I have one of those.                              Nate Goodman (Nato).

[peteski]

Jason's link shows a KOBO model with ESU sound decoder.